Results policy.

When your GP or specialist orders a test, the pathology laboratory, imaging service or specialist letter is sent directly back to your treating doctor at SMSG. Results are usually received electronically and reviewed by the ordering doctor.

Typical turnaround times:

Some tests take longer, particularly specialised pathology, genetic testing, or investigations sent to interstate laboratories.

Book a follow-up appointment. For any test where the result matters to your care, book a follow-up appointment when you have the test done. This is the reliable way to receive your result and discuss what it means.

Practice recalls. For results that need to be actioned or discussed and where the ordering doctor has flagged a recall, an SMS will be sent to your mobile (if applicable) or the nursing team will contact you by phone. If we can't reach you by phone, we will follow up by a letter.

Urgent results. If a result is clinically urgent, the ordering doctor or reception will contact you directly, sometimes on the day the result arrives. Make sure your contact details are current in your file.

Reception can confirm with the nursing team whether your result has arrived, whether your doctor has reviewed it, and whether a follow-up appointment is needed.

Reception cannot interpret your result, tell you the specific values, or give you clinical advice about what the result means. This is a policy across every practice accredited against national standards in Australia, not an SMSG-specific rule. Result interpretation is the treating doctor's responsibility.

If you want to discuss your result, book a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Standard consultation fees may apply according to the individual doctors' billing arrangements.

If you've had a test and you haven't heard from us, it does not automatically mean the result was normal. Results can be delayed, or require review that hasn't happened yet.

If you're expecting a result and haven't heard from us within the typical turnaround time above, call reception to check. If you've been asked to book a follow-up appointment, book it.

You have the right to access your own health records under Australian privacy law. Requests are processed through our Practice Operations team within 30 days. A fee may apply for complex or time-intensive requests; the fee is disclosed before we proceed.

See our Privacy Policy for the full process.

Results are shared with other clinicians involved in your care where you've consented and where sharing is clinically necessary. This includes your referring GP, referred specialists, hospitals, and allied health providers.

If you have a My Health Record, results may be uploaded there where the ordering doctor, pathology or radiology practice has arranged it. You control what's uploaded to your My Health Record; visit myhealthrecord.gov.au to review or adjust your settings.