FAQs


General FAQs


  1. How do I request a copy of my pathology results?
  2. How do I find my closest collection centre?
  3. Will I get my results directly and how long will they take?
  4. Can you add any additional information or tests to my request form?
  5. I have been told to fast for my test, how long do I have to fast for?
  6. Do I need to stop my medication when I am fasting for a test?

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  1. Q: How do I request a copy of my pathology results?

    A: To obtain a copy of your pathology results we recommend you contact your Medical Practitioner in the first instance. Alternatively, you can request your pathology results directly from QML Pathology by completing the relevant application form. Please click here for a copy of the form; it is important to note that this service does incur a small administration fee. Should you wish to discuss this process with one of our staff members please contact the Central Laboratory on (07) 3121 4444. 

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  2. Q: How do I find my closest collection centre?

    A: Please visit our Collection Centre Locator.

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  3. Q: Will I get my results directly and how long will they take?

    A: As the test has been requested by your doctor, the result will be sent directly to them. You will be required to contact your doctor in order to receive this. The time the result takes is dependent on the test performed. For clarification please ask at the time of your test.

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  4. Q: Can you add any additional information or tests to my request form?

    A: No, your request form is a legal document signed by the authorising doctor. No changes can be made to the form without their personal consent.

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  5. Q: I have been told to fast for my test, how long do I have to fast for?

    A: This is dependent on the type of test being performed. If your doctor has indicated general fasting is required, please refer to our General Fasting instruction sheet. If you are unsure what is required for your test please contact your nearest collection centre.

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  6. Q: Do I need to stop my medication when I am fasting for a test?

    A: This is dependent on the type of test being performed. Do not cease medication until you have sought clarification from your doctor.

Warfarin FAQs


  1. When should I have my blood test?
  2. When will I receive my result?
  3. How long will I be on Warfarin?
  4. Do I have to change my lifestyle whilst on Warfarin?
  5. I am going on holiday, where can I get my blood test performed?
  6. Are there any fees involved with the QML Pathology Warfarin Dosing Service?

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  1. Q: When should I have my blood test?

    A: It is preferable that you have your blood test between 9.00am and 12.00pm. You will have a shorter waiting time by avoiding our busy morning period. Your test can be done at any of our QML Pathology Collection Centres. Please bring with you your current INR card.

    Where possible, please complete a QML Pathology Warfarin Control Request Form prior to your test. A copy of this form can be downloaded and printed by clicking on the following link: QML Pathology Warfarin Control Request Form

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  2. Q: When will I receive my result?

    A: QML Pathology will telephone you with your dose of Warfarin, i.e. the tablets you will need to take until your next test.  Timeframes are dependent on your status as a new or established patient; please see the Warfarin section for further clarification. At this time you will also be informed of your test results and the date you are required to have your next blood test. When telephoned, please have a pen and paper to write this vital information down.

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  3. Q: How long will I be on Warfarin?

    A: As this is dependent on a number of factors, we are unable to advise in relation to the length of time you will remain on Warfarin. This question should be directed to your doctor for further clarification.

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  4. Q: Do I have to change my lifestyle whilst on Warfarin?

    A: We believe it is important that Warfarin does not inhibit aspects of your lifestyle; however, some changes are essential in order to control your INR level. Changes to diet and exercise show a significant positive effect on the stability of INR level. A booklet explaining these aspects can be obtained from us, please speak to the QML Pathology operator when they next call in relation to your result.

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  5. Q: I am going on holiday, where can I get my blood test performed?

    A: If you are travelling in Queensland or northern New South Wales (Northern Rivers region), we have a wide network of collection centres that you can visit. Please see the Collection Centres page. If you are travelling interstate or overseas we recommend that you contact a doctor at your destination and utilise local services during your stay.  On return please call us as soon as possible with your last reading and the next date for your blood test.   

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  6. Q: Are there any fees involved with the QML Pathology Warfarin Dosing Service?

    A: The QML Pathology Warfarin Dosing Service is currently providing an unfunded service to the community. Medicare does not provide funding for the dosing service and the current INR test rebate does not cover the cost of our specialist pathology team who monitor the Warfarin levels of patients on the Warfarin Dosing Service.

    In order for QML Pathology to continue to provide this medical service, new and re-enrolling patients will receive an account for each of their first five INR blood tests. The average out-of-pocket fee for each account after claiming the rebate from Medicare will be $49.55. These initial charges will contribute towards the Medicare Safety Net. DVA Gold Cardholders and nursing institution residents are exempt from the initial registration fee.

    This service goes beyond simply testing your blood; it ensures that you maintain your warfarin dosage at a safe level. The team of specialist pathologists, medical practitioners and health professionals are specifically trained in managing your warfarin dosing, and without adequate funding we would not be able to continue this service.

    7. Account Information FAQs


    1. Why did I receive a pathology account?
    2. How much will my pathology test(s) cost?
    3. What is your out patient (non-hospital) billing policy?
    4. What is your in patient (in-hospital) billing policy?
    5. What tests do not attract a Medicare rebate?
    6. What services do not attract a Medicare rebate?
    7. How can the Medicare 'Safety Net' initiative help me?
    8. I have lost my receipt, can I get another?
    9. I have received my bill. Can you please give me further information on my results and the tests that        were performed?

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    1. Q: Why did I receive a pathology account?

      A: QML Pathology is a private pathology provider and as such will bill for the pathology tests your doctor has requested.  These tests may have been collected while you were in hospital, at the doctor's surgery or at one of our collection centres.

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    2. Q: How much will my pathology test(s) cost?

      A: Unfortunately due to the complexity of the testing process and the Medicare schedule, we are unable to give you an accurate cost of your tests until they have been completed. What we can advise is that under certain conditions QML Pathology will bulk bill, and in cases where you are not bulk billed and are sent an invoice, you will not be out of pocket any more than $88.00 for out patient (non-hospital) of $500.00 for in patient (in hospital) Medicare rebatable tests.

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    3. Q: What is your out patient (non-hospital) billing policy?

      A: Please see below for out patient (non-hospital) billing information:
       
      Out Patient Veterans' Affairs Gold Cardholder
      If you are the holder of a Veterans' Affairs Gold Card your account will be billed directly to the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

      Out Patient
      QML Pathology is a private pathology provider and as such will bill for the pathology tests that your doctor has requested. We would like to be able to give you an estimate of the potential total costs of any pathology tests that your doctor has ordered; unfortunately, this is not possible as the total cost varies depending on the frequency, volume and complexity of the pathology tests ordered by your doctor. However, we can advise that QML Pathology’s private fees are capped to ensure that Medicare cardholders will not be out-of-pocket more than $88.00 per account for all tests eligible for a Medicare rebate.

      You will be pleased to know that Medicare may provide you with a rebate towards the total cost of your pathology bill. As with any Medicare claim, once you have paid the account, send or take your receipt or invoice to Medicare to claim for a rebate. You should be aware that there are a number of tests and services provided by QML Pathology that do not qualify for a Medicare refund and will incur a charge.

      Please feel free to contact QML Pathology or Medicare for more information about whether you may qualify for a refund.

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    4. Q: What is your in patient (in-hospital) billing policy?

      A: Please see below for in patient (in-hospital) billing information:
       
      In Patient Veterans' Affairs Gold Cardholder
      If you are the holder of a Veterans' Affairs Gold Card your account will be billed directly to the Department of Veterans' Affairs for payment. You will not incur out of pocket expenses.

      In Patient
      QML Pathology is a private pathology provider and as such will bill for the pathology tests that your doctor has requested. We would like to be able to give you an estimate of the potential total costs of any pathology tests that your doctor has ordered; unfortunately, this is not possible as the total cost depends on the type and number of tests ordered during your stay in hospital. However, we can advise that QML Pathology’s private fees are capped to ensure that Medicare cardholders will not be out of pocket more than $500.00 for all tests eligible for a Medicare rebate for the duration of their hospitalisation.

      If you have private health insurance you will be pleased to know that your health fund may provide you with a rebate towards the total cost of your pathology bill. Where possible QML Pathology will directly bill your health fund, however, there are a number of health funds that we cannot bill directly, and in this instance your will receive an account for all of your pathology tests performed over the length of your hospital stay.

      As with any private health insurance claim, once your have paid the account, send or take your receipt or invoice to your health fund to claim for a rebate. You should be aware that there are a number of tests and services provided by QML Pathology that do not qualify for a private health fund refund and will incur a charge. Please feel free to contact QML Pathology or your private insurer for more information about whether you may qualify for a health fund refund.

      If you would like to get an update on the total cost of your tests during your hospital stay please contact our Accounts Department on 1800 350 046.

      Further information can be obtained by downloading our Pathology and the Medicare Safety Net brochure or visiting the Medicare Australia website.

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    5. Q: What tests do not attract a Medicare rebate?

      A: Some pathology tests are not eligible for a Medicare rebate and will incur a charge. Some of the more common tests in this category include ThinPrep, FISH and DNA. In addition to this, other tests such as HPV and Thrombotic Assays are only rebatable when certain medical criteria are met. If you are concerned in regards to charges associated with a test, please discuss with your doctor at the time of consultation. Alternatively, please contact our Accounts Department on 1800 350 046 for further clarification. 

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    6. Q: What services do not attract a Medicare rebate?

      A: Some pathology services are not eligible for a Medicare rebate and will incur a charge. Some of the more common services in this category include Home Collection Visits and Warfarin Dosing (controlled by QML Pathology). 

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    7. Q: How can the Medicare 'Safety Net' initiative help me?

      A: If you need to see a doctor of have pathology tests regularly, you could end up with high medical costs. The Medicare Safety Net is designed to help you when you need it most. It means that once you reach a Medicare Safety Net threshold (within a calendar year) your out-of-pocket expenses may be reduced. The Medicare Safety Net covers a range of medical services that you receive out of hospital.

      Further information can be obtained by downloading our Pathology and the Medicare Safety Net brochure or visiting the Medicare Australia website.

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    8. Q: I have lost my receipt, can I get another?

      A: To obtain a receipt please contact our Accounts Department for assistance on 1800 350 046.

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    9. Q: I have received my bill. Can you please give me further information on my results and the tests that were performed?

      A: Due to privacy legislation, we do not have the authority to give information other than what is outlined on your account. For clarification on testing and your results, please speak directly with your doctor.

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