Rapid growth in paying patients, reports DML

17 September 2009
Media statement
For immediate release

Rapid growth in paying patients, reports DML

Diagnostic Medlab says the number of patients choosing to pay for their laboratory tests has grown rapidly over the past month.

“More than 300 Aucklanders every week are requesting our service,” said DML’s chief executive, Dr Arthur Morris.

“While this cannot take the place of the previous contract with the DHBs, it is an encouraging development when added to our other private work,” he said.

DML’s other private work includes ThinPrep cervical cytology testing under the National Cervical Screening Programme contract, immigration and visa testing, insurance tests, occupational and work site testing and clinical trial work that, as an accredited laboratory, DML is able to take on.

Dr Morris said the prospect of long waits and slow results seemed to be encouraging more Aucklanders to pay for their own tests.

Test costs range from $7 for a cholesterol level to $20 for a full blood count. Average waiting times are less than 10 minutes and results are returned to GPs the same day.

“It’s a pity people feel they are forced to reach into their own pockets to subsidise the state, but if they want the security of a quality, professional service, we’re still here to provide it,” Dr Morris said.

ENDS

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