For patients
Test Results, Recalls and Reminders
Your doctor will tell you how and when your test result comes back. If you have not heard by then, call reception rather than waiting.
Call(08) 6147 6547
Your results
How You Get Your Test Results
When your doctor orders a test, such as a blood test or a scan, they will tell you why. They will also say how the result comes back, roughly how long it takes, and what to do if your symptoms get worse.
Every result comes back to a doctor here, who reviews it and decides what happens next. If your own doctor is away, another of our doctors reviews it for them.
Please do not assume that no news is good news. If you were expecting a result and have not heard from us by the time you were told, call reception on (08) 6147 6547.
Reception staff cannot explain results. If a result needs talking through, they will book you an appointment with a doctor.
Text messages, emails and letters from us about results carry very little detail. They ask you to contact us or book an appointment, and a doctor explains the result.
Two kinds of message
What Is a Recall, and What Is a Reminder?
A recall is when your doctor asks you to come back, or take another step, within a set time. It is usually about a test result or something your doctor wants to follow up.
A reminder is a routine prompt about preventive care, such as a vaccination or a screening test that is due. It is not about a result.
A recall does not always mean a result is abnormal. Your doctor may want to explain it, repeat a test or plan the next step with you.
Recalls
If We Ask You to Come Back In
Your doctor decides how soon you need to be seen and how we contact you. Reception will usually say: “Your doctor has asked you to make an appointment to discuss your recent results.”
Reception cannot tell you whether a result is normal or abnormal unless your doctor has said they may. They will check they are speaking to you before saying the call is about your health.
We may contact you by phone, text message, a HotDoc message or letter. If we cannot reach you, we keep trying and your doctor decides what to do next. A recall is not closed just because a message was sent.
If a result is urgent, your doctor arranges for you to be contacted directly. We never rely on a text message, email or letter alone for something urgent.
HotDoc
How Our HotDoc Messages Work
We use HotDoc, the same system you can book through online, to send some recalls and reminders. HotDoc may contact you through the HotDoc app, a text message or an email. Which one depends on the details we hold and what you have agreed to.
The first message has very little detail. Open the secure message to read what your doctor has asked for, and you may be able to book an appointment from it.
We only send messages to contact details we have checked with you.
HotDoc may also send you a reminder before an appointment you have booked. Appointment reminders are separate from recalls. If you need to cancel or change the appointment, reply as the message asks or call reception.
Your part
What You Should Do
To make sure our messages reach you, please:
- Book an appointment when we ask you to come back in, within the time your doctor gave
- Keep your mobile number, email and address up to date with reception
- Tell us how you prefer to be contacted, and if there is a number or address we should not use for privacy or safety reasons
- Call reception if you were expecting a result and have not heard from us
- Tell us if you need an interpreter or other help communicating when we contact you
- Let us know if you decide not to come in, so your doctor can explain any risks and you can make an informed choice
You can ask not to receive routine preventive care reminders. Your doctor will check that it is safe for you before it is recorded.
Book an Appointment
Book online with a GP, or call reception for exercise physiology.