Some GPs brought up the topic of private pathology referrals. It is not uncommon that patients are asking for tests that are useful but not within the clinical guideline framework. Those tests are initiated by naturopaths, alternative medicine clinicians and dietitians. Examples of those tests are active Vitamin B12 and folate tests, trace elements tests, heavy metal toxicity tests etc.
There are services that cater for those referrals seamlessly. Patients can order their tests themselves and take the results back to their health professionals. These services also offer anonymous discreet STD checks.
