Test fee changes as from 1 November 2011
(Inside Aotea, October 2011)
On 1 November we change some test fees: most tests become free for private patients and a few tests that were previously free for general patients may incur fees.
Most private patient tests become free
Most private specialist-requested tests become free to patients as from 1 November.
Please note that any private test samples received by our laboratory before 1 November will be charged at current rates, even if the testing and reporting is completed on or after 1 November.
Some general patient tests may have fees
The tests shown below-right will have fees as from 1 November if your GP orders them.
They will be free if your specialist orders them or if your GP’s request is approved by a pathologist or hospital specialist.
Tests all patients are charged for A number of our tests are currently not covered by public funding and these charges will remain for all patients from 1 November.
Below are some commonly requested examples.
- Tests for immigration, insurance, travel and employment purposes, or for research projects, drug trials and studies.
- Screening tests on well patients that are outside recognised screening guidelines.
- Tests requested by patients themselves or by non-medical referrers, such as dentists, naturopaths and osteopaths.
Need further information?
You can get further information at http://www.apath.co.nz under the Patient information tab -- click
Charges for lab tests; or contact:
- our customer liaison officer, Fiona James, on 04 381 5979
- our accounts records officer, Fiona Horne, on 04 381 5930