Pathlab update: Mandatory eligibility box to tick

Pathlab has introduced a mandatory tick box on all Éclair lab request forms to indicate whether a test is eligible for funded support.

This change was made after Pathlab identified ongoing issues with incorrect eligibility settings, where some unfunded tests were being processed as funded, and vice versa.

Initially, the field defaulted to “Yes” (eligible), but it was often overlooked. As a result, Pathlab has now made it mandatory to actively select whether a patient is eligible.

This requirement aims to ensure compliance with national funding criteria and support the sustainability of laboratory services. Tests that are never funded include those for work, travel, insurance, or sport, as well as those requested for non-residents or by non-funded providers (such as naturopaths).

Pathlab has advised that some patients have been incorrectly marked as ineligible and charged as a result, so please ensure this field is completed carefully to avoid patient inconvenience or billing errors.

Pinnacle recognises the extra workload this change places on practices and is engaging with Pathlab to request they consider restoring the previous default “eligible” setting.