We provide answers to your questions

All Catalogues of laboratory tests that are reimbursed by the GHS are posted on the HIO website. Table 1 of the Catalogue includes Biochemistry, Haematology, Immunology, and Microbiology tests and Table 2 of the Catalogue includes Molecular Pathology, Cytology and Genetic lab tests.  Each lab test has a weighting coefficient (number of points).  Actual reimbursement is calculated per month and depends on the budget of that specific month and the total number of points of tests performed and is publicised/communicated in the following month.

Clinical laboratories are required to contract with the HIO via the IT System and the Provider Portal and follow all the steps stipulated therein.  In order for a laboratory to conclude a contract, it must fulfil the minimum requirements set by the Laboratories Regulation posted on the HIO website.

Lab tests’ results must be attached electronically as a pdf file (for all tests) and as a xml file (for some tests specified by HIO) with the reimbursement claim, in order to complete the payment to the laboratory.

Doctors and laboratory tests providers who are contracted with the HIO may suggest to the HIO additions/removals/amendments of laboratory tests by filling in the form posted on the HIO website. HIO has the responsibility to examine the addition/removal/amendment of the test/method to the Catalogue.

Laboratory tests that are not included in a doctor’s referral and that the laboratory may add and be reimbursed for, in order to complete the results, are included in the Catalogues posted on the HIO website and on the Provider’s Portal.  These are marked with the symbol of a square out of which an arrow is coming.

The LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes) standard is used for the codification of the lab tests included in the first Table of the Catalogue (Biochemistry, Haematology, Immunology, Microbiology).

Information on LOINC can be found at https://loinc.org/faq/basics/

A Personal Doctor or an Outpatient Specialist enrolled in the GHS will issue a referral to beneficiaries for laboratory tests when he/she deems that the beneficiary’s health condition so requires for the purposes of diagnosis, monitoring, treatment or any other medical reason.  The doctor can issue via the IT System the relevant referral stating the tests to be performed by a laboratory.

All registered laboratories with the GHS are posted on the HIO website.

GHS beneficiaries may freely choose which laboratory will provide them with their services from the catalogue of registered laboratories posted on the HIO website.

In order for any tests to be performed it is required that the predetermined procedure is followed, i.e. visit to the Personal Doctor or Outpatient Specialist and if necessary a referral for lab tests.

Lab tests performed without a referral from an HIO contracted doctor are not reimbursed. 

The laboratory will post your results and these will be accessible via the Beneficiary Portal at your personal account.  The doctor who has referred you, any other contracted doctor you visit as well as any other laboratory you visit are informed and have access to your results.  In case you do not wish your lab tests’ results to be visible you must determine this using the settings of your personal account.  You must however have in mind that if you conceal data, it is possible that the healthcare service offered to you will not be the appropriate service and/or you may put your health at risk.  In addition, it is possible that a healthcare provider may refuse to serve you.

For most tests the results are available on the same or the following day, especially for Biochemical, Haematological and Immunological tests.  Some tests (microbiological cultures) as well as more specialised tests, may take longer.  Your doctor or laboratory will be in a position to inform you on this.

For most tests, samples are kept at laboratories for a few days in case a test must be repeated or an additional aspect tested.

For some tests there are some restrictions such as for example the doctor’s specialty who can refer to a particular test and/or whether the test is justified by your medical condition of the beneficiary.