Contact numbers for after-hours reporting of urgent pathology test results
GPs are reminded that they should ensure they or someone in their practice is contactable after hours by pathology and diagnostic imaging providers for responding to results that are seriously abnormal or life-threatening.
It is important to provide updated contact numbers for after-hours follow-up on request forms.
Pathologists are sometimes faced with situations which require immediate action when critical pathology tests are finalised after-hours and are unable to contact referring medical practitioners. At times, pathologists resort to difficult scenarios such as either calling the patient directly, an ambulance or sometimes the police.
Ensuring there are mechanisms for after-hours contact by pathologists are part of GP standards and ethics and codes of practice. AMA codes of ethics 2.1.1 and 3.4.4; MBA Good Medical Practice 6.3.1; and RACGP Standards GP2.2 all ensure responsible referral and working with other health professionals as part of a health care team.
