Do You Need a Referral to Get an X-ray?

Why You Might Need a Radiology Referral

Radiology referrals are essential when your doctor needs a closer look at specific areas of your body to diagnose or monitor a health condition. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds provide a non-invasive way for your doctor to see inside your body, making it easier to identify issues, track progress, or confirm a diagnosis.

Types of Medical Imaging You Can Access

Here’s a quick overview of the different types of medical imaging available through Our Sage:

• X-Ray: Commonly used to examine bones and certain internal structures. It’s often requested to check for fractures, infections, or tumors.

• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed images of internal structures and is frequently used to detect tumors, injuries, and infections.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Produces clear images of soft tissues, organs, and joints, making it useful for diagnosing neurological disorders, joint injuries, and tumors.

• Ultrasound: Used to examine organs, blood vessels, and monitor pregnancy. It’s commonly used for assessing the abdomen, pelvis, and heart.

• Doppler Ultrasound: Measures blood flow through vessels and helps diagnose conditions like blood clots, arterial issues, and other vascular disorders.

• Mammography +/- Breast Ultrasound: Screens for breast cancer. An ultrasound may be added to provide more detailed information about any abnormalities.

• Nuclear Medicine +/- X-Ray: Assesses organ function and structure, making it useful for diagnosing thyroid disorders, bone issues, and heart conditions.

• Stress Echocardiography: Combines heart imaging with stress testing to see how your heart responds to exercise, helping to diagnose coronary artery disease.

• Bone Densitometry: Measures bone density to check for osteoporosis and assess fracture risk.

• OPG (Orthopantomogram): Provides a panoramic view of the jaws and teeth, helping diagnose dental and jaw conditions.

How to Get and Use Your Radiology Referral

Getting a radiology referral through Our Sage is straightforward:

Getting a radiology referral through Our Sage is straightforward:

1.Request a Telehealth Consultation: Schedule a telehealth consultation with one of our qualified doctors. Discuss your symptoms or health concerns during the session.

2. Receive Your Referral: If your doctor determines that imaging is needed, your referral will be sent directly to your phone.

3. Visit a Radiology Centre: Take your referral to the radiology center of your choice. Most radiology services allow walk-ins, but it’s a good idea to check if an appointment is required.

What to Bring to Your Radiology Appointment

When you go for your radiology appointment, make sure to bring the following:

• Your Referral: The referral letter you received after your telehealth consultation.

• Medicare Card: A valid Medicare card is needed to cover the cost of imaging services or to claim your rebate, depending on the provider you choose.

• Any Previous Imaging: If you’ve had similar tests before, bringing previous images can help in comparing results.

If you live in NSW, VIC, or QLD, you can access bulk-billed radiology services with a valid Medicare card at select locations. Find your nearest radiology location here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Referrals

Do I need a referral to get an x ray in australia?

Australian healthcare regulations require referrals for diagnostic imaging services like X-rays to be bulk-billed.

MRIs, CT scans and x-rays are important procedures for people with concerning health issues. While there are some instances where you could get one of the imaging tests done without a referral, at most medical facilities, you will need a referral for CT scans, x-rays and MRIs.

How to get an X-ray?

The first step will be getting a referral for your x-ray, after this you will go to a radiology clinic, you may be required to make an appointment however lots of radiology clinics allow for walk ins.

If you live in NSW, VIC, or QLD, you can access bulk-billed radiology services with a valid Medicare card at select locations. Find your nearest radiology location here.