Ponsonby Doctors follows the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020. These set out your rights to be informed of test results and to have your health information handled securely and confidentially.

1.  Review and Communication of Results

• The doctor or clinician who ordered your test is responsible for reviewing, recording, and actioning the result.
• Abnormal or significant results will be communicated directly to you, together with a plan for next steps.
• Normal results are usually sent as a brief message by email once reviewed.
• Urgent or complex results will be communicated by phone.
• If your test or scan was arranged by another clinician or clinic, please contact them directly for your results.

2.  Access via the Patient Portal

• If you are registered for our Patient Portal, your results will appear online after review and sign-off by the ordering doctor.
• Results are not visible immediately after laboratory processing.
• Depending on your results, you may be asked to:
  • book a follow-up appointment,
  • have further tests, or
  • continue monitoring your progress.
• If you remain concerned about your health, or your condition does not improve, please book a review appointment.

3.  Typical Time-frames

These times are indicative and may vary depending on laboratory and reporting schedules.

4.  Privacy and Access to Health Information

• Health information is released only to the individual concerned, unless that person has provided consent or an authorised representative is acting on their behalf.
• We comply with the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020.
• You have the right to request a copy of your health information or ask for corrections if it is inaccurate or incomplete.

This policy is consistent with New Zealand’s Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (1996) and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020.