ePathology

Electronic pathology, which is also known as ePathology, eRequesting or eOrdering, is the safe and secure exchange of pathology information between the requesting clinical software and the nominated laboratory information system.

An eRequest is completed in the practice clinical software, which is then electronically transmitted to the nominated pathology laboratory. A printed copy is provided to the patient. Some laboratories are enabled to allow requests to be sent via SMS directly to the patient’s phone.

eRequesting is required for uploading pathology results to the My Health Record. By actively eRequesting via eligible laboratories, results can be shared directly with My Health Record by labs and viewed immediately by the health provider. Click here for more on My Health Record.

Using ePathology reduces the risk of errors arising from handwritten requests. It can speed up processing time and reduce the need for follow-ups due to missing or incorrect data.

How electronic requesting works

Electronic pathology requesting is a fast, easy digital process for ordering tests, which streamlines the patient experience, with faster collection, less waiting and reduced risk of transcription errors. A paper request is also printed for the patient if they wish to use a different lab.

eRequesting may already be implemented at your practice if barcodes are being printed on your pathology request forms. (Click on the image to enlarge).

Electronic ordering process diagram

Resources

Important updates

  • Clinical Labs announced they are able to email pathology forms to patients as part of the ePatholgy process via clinical software: At this stage, only available for Medical Director Clinical 3.18 and above.
  • Barrett & Smith (Douglass Hanly Moir) Pathology continue to SMS patients with requests once received from enabled practices.

How we can help

We have resources to assist healthcare providers to self-connect to ePathology and are happy to answer any questions. Email digitalhealth@murrayphn.org.au for support.

Last Update: May 20th, 2024

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.