Quote:
Originally Posted by Aliantha
Wow, over here you just take you doc referral into the pathology clinic and take a number. Normally the wait is less than an hour and usually no more than 15 minutes. Results in 2 or 3 days except things like hiv tests. They take a bit longer. All covered by medicare, so no up front charges.
We complain about our health system here too, but compared to most other countries, its not too bad.
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Different areas are governed by different health authorities, and different clinics, GP consortiums etc have different provision arrangements.
At my surgery depending on the type of test needed, the GP may take the blood then and there, or you may be asked to see one of the practice nurses, or they make a referral for the local hospital path dept and you take your slip down any time you like during their opening hours. Sometimes you end up waiting an hour though if they're busy.
I've never had to wait to get in for a blood test I've only ever had to wait for results and that's usually 5-10 days. Similar arrangements for xrays: you get a referral and go down to the xray dept at the hospital anytime they're open.