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Get an HbA1c test referral online. Bulk billed

See a GP via telehealth and receive your HbA1c pathology referral by email. No out-of-pocket costs for eligible Medicare patients.

What is HbA1c?

HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) is a blood test that shows your average blood glucose level over the previous two to three months. Glucose in your blood attaches to haemoglobin in your red blood cells, and because red blood cells have a roughly 120-day lifespan, the amount of glycated haemoglobin reflects your average exposure to glucose over that period.

This makes HbA1c a useful tool for screening for type 2 diabetes, supporting diagnosis, and monitoring how well blood sugar is being managed in people with established diabetes. It is not affected by what you ate this morning, which is why fasting is not required.

When an HbA1c test is ordered

Your GP may recommend HbA1c if you have risk factors for diabetes such as a family history of type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, high blood pressure, polycystic ovary syndrome, a history of gestational diabetes, or if you are aged 40 or above. Australian guidelines also support routine screening for certain higher-risk populations.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent thirst, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, or unintentional weight loss, your GP may also order an HbA1c alongside other investigations. For people with confirmed type 2 diabetes, HbA1c is a core monitoring test.

How to get an HbA1c referral online

Book a telehealth appointment with a NewDoc GP and discuss your risk factors, any symptoms, or your ongoing diabetes management. If your GP determines an HbA1c is clinically appropriate, the pathology referral will be emailed to you after the consultation. You then attend any pathology collection centre in Australia for the blood draw at a time that suits you.

Your GP may also order other tests alongside HbA1c, such as a lipid panel to assess cardiovascular risk. The consultation is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients, and the pathology tests are covered by Medicare when ordered on clinical grounds.

What to expect at the collection centre

Because HbA1c does not require fasting, you can attend the pathology collection centre at any time during opening hours. Most centres accept walk-ins or allow you to book ahead. The blood draw itself is typically brief, and you can eat and drink normally before and after.

Results are returned to your NewDoc GP, usually within a few business days. Your GP will then contact you to discuss the findings and any next steps. Staying well hydrated before your appointment can make the blood draw easier.

Understanding your HbA1c results

Your NewDoc GP will interpret your HbA1c in the context of your other tests, symptoms, and risk factors. A result in the pre-diabetes range may prompt lifestyle advice around nutrition, physical activity, and weight. A result consistent with diabetes usually requires a second confirmatory test, unless clear diabetes symptoms are present.

If a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is confirmed, your GP will discuss management options, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, and ongoing monitoring. Your GP may also recommend a chronic disease management plan to coordinate allied health input, subject to Medicare eligibility.

When telehealth may not be suitable

Telehealth is well suited to arranging HbA1c pathology referrals, discussing results, and reviewing ongoing diabetes care. However, if you develop symptoms such as severe dehydration, confusion, rapid breathing, or significant illness on top of known diabetes, you should seek urgent in-person care. Book a bulk billed telehealth consultation to discuss whether an HbA1c or broader review is appropriate for you.

References

This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 22 April 2026. Editorial policy

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Frequently asked questions

What is an HbA1c test?

HbA1c, or glycated haemoglobin, measures the average amount of glucose attached to your red blood cells over the previous two to three months. It is one of the main tests used to screen for and monitor type 2 diabetes in Australia. A single HbA1c reading gives a longer-term picture of blood sugar than a one-off fasting glucose test.

Can I get an HbA1c referral via telehealth?

Yes. Your NewDoc GP can assess your risk factors and any symptoms during a telehealth consultation and issue a pathology referral for HbA1c if clinically appropriate. The referral is emailed to you after the appointment, and you attend any pathology collection centre for the blood draw.

Do I need to fast before an HbA1c test?

No. HbA1c does not require fasting, because it reflects average blood glucose over several months rather than the level at a single moment. You can have the blood draw at any time of day. If your GP orders other tests alongside HbA1c, such as a fasting lipid panel, fasting may still be needed for those.

Is HbA1c covered by Medicare?

Yes. When ordered by a GP for diabetes screening or monitoring based on clinical indication, HbA1c is covered under Medicare. Your GP will advise whether you meet the criteria for a rebated test. The NewDoc telehealth consultation is also bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients.

What HbA1c level is considered normal?

Australian guidelines generally describe HbA1c below 5.7 percent (39 mmol/mol) as within the non-diabetic range, 5.7 to 6.4 percent as the pre-diabetes range, and 6.5 percent or above as consistent with diabetes. Your GP will interpret your result in the context of your symptoms, risk factors, and other tests, and a single result is not used to diagnose diabetes in isolation.

How often should HbA1c be checked in people with diabetes?

For people with established type 2 diabetes, HbA1c is often checked every three to six months, depending on how stable blood sugar levels are and whether treatment is being adjusted. Your GP will recommend a schedule that suits your individual circumstances and update your care plan as needed.

Can HbA1c be used to diagnose diabetes?

HbA1c is one of the tests used in diagnosing type 2 diabetes in Australia, alongside fasting plasma glucose and oral glucose tolerance tests. Usually, two separate abnormal results are needed to confirm a diagnosis unless you also have clear diabetes symptoms. Your GP will guide you through the process and any additional tests required.

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