Resources
GP Pathology Requesting Project Report
The GP Pathology Requesting Project aims to promote the clinically relevant use of pathology tests and assist GPs to reduce the potential for unintended harm to patients from identification of incidental findings that may lead to unnecessary treatment.
Guideline for substantiating that a valid referral existed (from pathology or diagnostic imaging)
This guideline outlines what you can do to substantiate a service to be requested by another medical practitioner for Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items 57521 and 65070.
Guideline for substantiating claims for diagnostic imaging and pathology services rendered to emergency department patients of public hospitals
This guideline outlines what you can do to substantiate diagnostic imaging and pathology services rendered to emergency department patients of public hospitals and claimed under Medicare.
Final report for the Pathology informatics and interoperability pilot: pathology and the patient project
The pathology informatics interoperability pilot tested Standardised Pathology Informatics in Australia (SPIA) guideline adoption, showing benefits of interoperability and identifying barriers in laboratories, clinicians and patient care.
National Cervical Screening Program – Quick Reference Guide
This table shows the guidelines for pathology testing of cervical and vaginal samples.
Final report for the electronic Clinical Decision Support (eCDS) workflow requirements for use within the Australian health system project
The electronic Clinical Decision Support (eCDS) project reviewed e-requesting and eCDS in pathology. Findings show benefits, barriers and future opportunities for eCDS. It supports SPIA standards, MHR integration and digital workflows aligned with the National Digital Health Blueprint.
Health Consult final report for the Australia pathology workforce review project
RCPA engaged HealthConsult to review Australia’s pathology workforce, assess current/future needs, and guide planning. Using data analysis and modelling, the report highlights shortages and offers strategies to ensure workforce sustainability.
Final report for the Further development of Pathology Tests Explained (PTEx) website project
The PTEx website is an Australian resource offering plain-English explanations of pathology tests. The project delivered 40 new patient information sheets aimed at empowering consumers with accessible, evidence-based health information.
Final report for the Workforce planning for pathologists in subdisciplines and known shortages project
The pathology workforce review project analysed current and future supply of pathologists, and included trainee data and subdiscipline shortages. Findings support planning strategies for sustainable growth, especially in rural areas. Key trends include genomics, AI, and digital workflows.
Budget 2024–25: Reforming pathology application charging arrangements – Implementation update
This Budget 2024–25 fact sheet outlines the reforms to the pathology fees application charging arrangements.
Final report for the RCPA Manual 2022-24 project
The RCPA Manual 8th Edition offers updated pathology test guidance, featuring revised entries and improved accuracy. It supports best practice pathology requesting for GPs and healthcare professionals and is available online and via a new mobile app.
Final report for the Interpretive quality assurance module for genomic testing for childhood syndromes and intellectual disability project
RCPAQAP piloted Australia’s first interpretive quality assurance program for genomic testing in childhood syndromes. This ensures accurate variant classification and supports a scalable, sustainable national quality assurance framework.
Final report for Testing, testing 1,2,3 – an educational intervention for general practitioners to promote best practice in pathology ordering project
Medcast’s “Testing, Testing 1,2,3” educated over 2,600 GPs nationwide on rational pathology test ordering. The program improved confidence, reduced unnecessary testing, and promoted safer, cost-effective care through accredited, accessible online learning.
Final report for the self-collection vs practitioner collection project 2 (SCoPE2)
SCoPE2 confirms HPV self-collection as accurate and efficient for cervical screening. Validated MSwab method boosts efficiency, safety, access and scalability. The method is now approved in Australia and adopted in New Zealand.
Final report for the Quality use of non-invasive prenatal RHD testing project
ANZSBT’s project supports safer pregnancy care with non-invasive prenatal RhD testing (RHD NIPT). It demonstrates how targeted RhD immunoglobulin use reduces unnecessary procedures, improves equity, and enhances public health outcomes across Australia.
Final report for the Emergency Department Pathology Order Support Tool (ED POST) project
ED-POST is a prototype decision support tool for Emergency Departments, designed to improve pathology test ordering. Developed via stakeholder input and trialled across NSW sites, it aims to reduce low-value care and enhance diagnostic stewardship.
Final report for the Development of an external quality assessment to measure the quality of genomic pathology reports project
RCPAQAP developed a machine learning-based EQA model to assess genomic pathology report quality. Findings revealed inconsistent reporting across laboratories. A standardised template was proposed to improve accuracy, clarity, and clinical relevance in genetic reporting.
Claiming Medicare Benefits – Date of Service for Pathology Providers
Information regarding submitting claims for Medicare benefits.
Quality Use of Pathology Program (QUPP) project grants 2021–23
This document provides feedback to applicants for the Quality Use of Pathology Program Projects grant round (2021–23) GO5049 that was open on GrantConnect from 3 September 2021 to 19 October 2021.
Quality Use of Pathology (QUP) Project Stream – Final report for the Common Sense Pathology 2018–2021 project
This final report outlines what The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Common Sense Pathology project achieved. The QUPP funded this project between 2018 and 2021.
Reporting pathology or diagnostic imaging prohibited practices
Use this form if you are a requester or provider of diagnostic imaging (DI) or pathology services and want to let us know about another person who has asked for or accepted or
offered or provided a prohibited benefit, or made a threat.
offered or provided a prohibited benefit, or made a threat.
Guaranteeing Medicare – Investing in pathology
A Budget 2021–22 fact sheet.
Quality Use of Pathology (QUP) Project Stream – Final report Pathology, Information, Terminology and Units Standardisation project (PITUS 18–20)
This final report outlines what The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) PITUS 18–20 project achieved. The QUPP funded previous phases of this project.
Budget 2020-21: Aged Care – COVID-19 pandemic response – pathology testing in aged care
A Budget 2020-21 fact sheet.
Budget 2020-21: Strengthening Primary Care – COVID-19 pandemic response – pathology
A Budget 2020-21 fact sheet.
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