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Yes, for private pathology from a lab that accepts naturopath requests, with your client paying the full private price. Medicare-funded pathology has to be requested by an eligible practitioner such as a GP, so you can’t get Medicare funding for a test yourself. With Vively, you recommend the testing and an independent GP decides whether the 74-marker Baseline is clinically appropriate, for a $99 Vively fee.
Why Medicare pathology needs a doctor
Medicare pays benefits for pathology only when an eligible practitioner requests the test. Naturopaths and nutritionists aren’t eligible requesters, so a request from you can’t be bulk billed or attract a Medicare rebate. The same applies to most allied health professions.
Private pathology is different. Some laboratories accept requests from naturopaths, and your client pays the laboratory’s private fee for each test.
Why your client’s GP may say no
The RACGP advises GPs to request tests only when they’re clinically indicated, and to use their own judgement when a patient brings a list from another practitioner. Many GPs decline broad panels for that reason. It isn’t personal, but it leaves your client in the middle.
Your three options
| Ask the client’s GP | Private lab account | Vively | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who requests | The GP | You | An independent GP (Medicare Baseline) or our pathology partner (private tests) |
| Cost to your client | Varies | Full private price per test | $99 for 74 markers with Medicare, or private prices |
| Your admin | A letter and waiting | Account, forms and chasing | One referral |
| Results | Whatever your client passes on | A PDF | Structured results with lab and optimal ranges, in your client’s record |
Ask the client’s GP
- Who requests
- The GP
- Cost to your client
- Varies
- Your admin
- A letter and waiting
- Results
- Whatever your client passes on
Private lab account
- Who requests
- You
- Cost to your client
- Full private price per test
- Your admin
- Account, forms and chasing
- Results
- A PDF
Vively
- Who requests
- An independent GP (Medicare Baseline) or our pathology partner (private tests)
- Cost to your client
- $99 for 74 markers with Medicare, or private prices
- Your admin
- One referral
- Results
- Structured results with lab and optimal ranges, in your client’s record
How the Vively pathway works
What to tell your client
“I’d like us to get a full set of bloods. You’ll get an email from Vively with the price. If you have a Medicare card, you’ll have a quick telehealth call with a GP first. If you’re eligible, it’s $99 for 74 markers, and the results come straight to me.”
