Imaging Guides & Resources
Everything you need to know about medical imaging in Australia - referrals, preparation, costs, and what to expect.
Know what to expect
Pick your scan for a 30-second step-by-step of what happens on the day.
90 guides
MRI Scan: What to Expect, Preparation & Cost
Everything you need to know about MRI scans in Australia - how they work, how to prepare, what happens during the scan, how much they cost, and whether you need a referral.
Imaging Guide 8 min read
CT Scan: What to Expect, Preparation & Cost
A complete guide to CT scans in Australia - how they work, what they detect, how to prepare, costs, and whether Medicare covers your scan.
Imaging Guide 7 min read
X-Ray: What to Expect, Preparation & Cost
Your guide to X-rays in Australia - how they work, what they're used for, preparation tips, costs, and where to get one near you.
Imaging Guide 5 min read
Ultrasound: What to Expect, Preparation & Cost
A complete patient guide to ultrasound scans in Australia - how they work, what they detect, preparation, costs, and whether you need a referral.
Imaging Guide 6 min read
Mammography: What to Expect & How to Prepare
Everything you need to know about mammograms in Australia - what they are, how to prepare, what to expect, screening programs, and costs.
Imaging Guide 6 min read
DEXA Scan: Bone Density Testing Explained
A guide to DEXA bone density scans in Australia - what they measure, who should get one, preparation, what to expect, and costs.
Imaging Guide 5 min read
MRI vs CT Scan: What's the Difference?
MRI and CT scans are both used for detailed body imaging, but they work differently and are suited to different conditions. Learn which scan is right for you.
Comparison 6 min read
Do I Need a Referral for an MRI, CT or Ultrasound?
Yes. You need a referral for Medicare rebates on most scans, but you can pay privately without one. When it's required, how long it lasts, and how to book.
Referrals & Booking 7 min read
How Much Do Medical Scans Cost in Australia?
A breakdown of medical imaging costs in Australia - X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and more. Learn about Medicare rebates, bulk billing, and out-of-pocket costs.
Practical Info 7 min read
Bulk Billed MRI, CT & Ultrasound Explained
How bulk billed MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray work in Australia. Who is eligible, how to find bulk-billing clinics, and what you pay out of pocket.
Practical Info 5 min read
PET Scan: What to Expect, Preparation & Cost
A PET scan uses a radioactive tracer to show how your tissues are working. Allow 2–3 hours at the clinic. Preparation, costs and Medicare coverage explained.
Imaging Guide 7 min read
Nuclear Medicine Scans: What You Need to Know
A patient guide to nuclear medicine imaging in Australia - bone scans, thyroid scans, lung scans, and more. How they work, what to expect, and costs.
Imaging Guide 6 min read
Preparing Your Child for Medical Imaging
A parent's guide to helping your child through X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI. Tips for reducing anxiety and what to expect at the appointment.
Practical Info 6 min read
Understanding Your Radiology Report
A guide to reading and understanding your medical imaging report. Learn what common terms mean, what to expect, and how to discuss results with your doctor.
Practical Info 6 min read
What Is Contrast Dye? Safety, Side Effects & Tips
Learn about contrast dye (contrast agents) used in CT, MRI, and other imaging scans - what it does, whether it's safe, possible side effects, and how to prepare.
Practical Info 6 min read
Your First Imaging Appointment: What to Expect
Never had a medical scan before? Here's a step-by-step guide to what happens at an imaging clinic - from check-in to getting your results.
Practical Info 5 min read
How to Choose an Imaging Clinic in Australia
A practical guide to choosing the right radiology clinic for your scan - what to look for, questions to ask, and how to compare clinics near you.
Practical Info 5 min read
What Is a Medical Referral? A Complete Guide for Patients
Understand what a medical imaging referral is, why you need one, what it contains, and how the referral process works in Australia's healthcare system.
Referrals & Booking 7 min read
How to Read Your Imaging Referral: A Section-by-Section Guide
Every section of your imaging referral explained: scan type, clinical indication, provider numbers and expiry, so you know what your doctor ordered and why.
Referrals & Booking 8 min read
Understanding Your Imaging Referral with Radly AI
Learn how Radly's AI tool helps you understand your medical imaging referral in plain English - what the scan is, why it was ordered, and what to expect.
Referrals & Booking 5 min read
Scan Your Referral with Radly AI: Find the Right Clinic Instantly
Upload or photograph your imaging referral and let Radly AI match you with the best clinics for your scan - by location, price, bulk billing, and availability.
Referrals & Booking 5 min read
What Does 'Clinical Indication' Mean on a Referral?
Clinical indication is the reason your doctor ordered your scan. Your symptoms or suspected condition in medical shorthand. Terms like '?fracture' explained.
Referrals & Booking 7 min read
What Happens After You Get an Imaging Referral?
A step-by-step guide to what happens after your doctor gives you an imaging referral - from booking your scan to receiving results and follow-up.
Referrals & Booking 7 min read
What to Bring to Your Imaging Appointment: Complete Checklist
A complete checklist of everything you need to bring to your medical imaging appointment in Australia - documents, clothing tips, and preparation reminders.
Referrals & Booking 5 min read
How to Prepare for Medical Imaging: A Guide by Scan Type
Detailed preparation instructions for every type of medical imaging scan in Australia - X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET, DEXA, and more.
Referrals & Booking 8 min read
What Do My Scan Results Mean? A Plain-English Guide
Your scan results are written by a radiologist for your doctor, and many scary-sounding terms are normal. Common report terms explained in plain English.
Referrals & Booking 8 min read
Choosing the Right Imaging Test: X-Ray, Ultrasound, CT or MRI?
Not sure which scan you need? This guide explains the difference between X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI in plain language - what each test finds, how long it takes, and what questions to ask your doctor.
Comparison 6 min read
MRI vs CT: A Clinical Decision Guide for GPs
A practical reference for GPs on when to choose MRI over CT and vice versa - covering clinical indications, radiation considerations, Medicare eligibility, and how to write referrals that get the right scan approved.
For GPs 7 min read
Referral Best Practices for GPs: Writing Imaging Referrals That Work
How to write imaging referrals that get the right scan, pass Medicare review, and give radiologists the clinical context they need - a practical guide for Australian GPs.
For GPs 6 min read
Common Imaging Referral Mistakes - And How to Avoid Them
The most common errors GPs make when writing imaging referrals in Australia - including missing information, wrong modality selection, and Medicare pitfalls - with practical fixes for each.
For GPs 5 min read
Digital Referrals Explained: How Electronic Imaging Referrals Work in Australia
How digital and electronic imaging referrals work in Australia - the difference between paper, fax, and digital referrals, what platforms are available, and how to start using them in your GP practice.
For GPs 5 min read
The Business Case for Online Imaging Bookings
How enabling online appointment bookings reduces no-shows, cuts phone call volume, attracts more patients, and improves clinic revenue - a practical guide for imaging clinic managers and owners.
For Clinics 5 min read
Why Patients Expect Digital Healthcare - And What It Means for Imaging Clinics
Understanding the shift in patient expectations toward digital-first healthcare experiences - and what imaging clinics can do right now to meet them.
For Clinics 5 min read
Improving Patient Experience at Your Imaging Clinic
Practical strategies for imaging clinic managers to improve patient satisfaction, reduce anxiety, increase referrals, and build a reputation that attracts new patients.
For Clinics 6 min read
Imaging Waitlist Management: How to Reduce Wait Times and Fill Cancellations
Practical strategies for radiology and imaging clinic managers to reduce scan wait times, fill last-minute cancellation slots, manage high-demand modalities, and improve patient throughput.
For Clinics 6 min read
Attracting New Imaging Referrals: A Growth Guide for Clinic Managers
Practical strategies for imaging clinic managers to grow their GP referral base, improve online discoverability, strengthen referral relationships, and stand out in a competitive market.
For Clinics 7 min read
How to Compare Imaging Clinics Side by Side
A step-by-step guide to comparing radiology clinics in Australia - what to look at, which factors actually matter, and how to use Radly's free comparison tool to make the best choice for your scan.
Comparison 6 min read
Upload Your Referral From Your Phone: How Radly's QR Code Scan Works
Using Radly on your computer? Scan a QR code with your phone to photograph your paper referral - it syncs back to your desktop automatically. No app needed.
Referrals & Booking 5 min read
Use Radly in Your Language: Booking Medical Imaging in Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic & Greek
Radly is available in English, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Arabic and Greek. Learn how to switch languages, find Victorian clinics with staff who speak your language, and book with confidence.
Practical Info 6 min read
Find Imaging Clinics Near You With Radly's Map View
See every matching imaging clinic in Victoria on an interactive map. Learn how Radly's map view, pin clusters and location search help you find the most convenient clinic.
Practical Info 5 min read
Check If an Imaging Clinic Is Open Right Now - Before You Call
Radly shows live open-now status, weekly hours, typical wait times and whether Victorian imaging clinics are accepting new patients - so you can stop calling around.
Practical Info 5 min read
Compare Scan Prices Before You Book: Radly's Price Transparency Tools
Imaging prices vary widely between Australian clinics. Learn how Radly shows full fees, Medicare rebates and out-of-pocket costs upfront - and how to compare Victorian clinics side by side.
Comparison 7 min read
Medical Imaging During Pregnancy: What's Safe?
Which imaging tests are safe during pregnancy in Australia - ultrasound, MRI, X-ray, and CT explained, plus advice on contrast dye and breastfeeding.
Practical Info 6 min read
Imaging Costs With a Concession Card: What You Pay
How Pension, Health Care, and DVA cards affect the cost of X-rays, ultrasounds, CT and MRI scans in Australia - and how to find clinics that bulk-bill concession holders.
Practical Info 6 min read
Claustrophobic? How to Get Through an MRI Scan
Practical tips for managing claustrophobia during an MRI in Australia - what the scanner is really like, wide-bore and open MRI options, sedation, music, and breathing techniques.
Imaging Guide 6 min read
WorkCover & TAC Imaging in Victoria: Who Pays?
Getting a scan after a workplace or transport accident in Victoria - how WorkCover and TAC claims cover imaging, what your referral needs, and choosing your own clinic.
Practical Info 6 min read
Heart Imaging Tests Explained: Echo, CT, MRI & More
A patient's guide to heart imaging in Australia - echocardiograms, cardiac CT and calcium scores, cardiac MRI, and stress tests, including what each shows and general costs.
Imaging Guide 7 min read
Back Pain: When Do You Actually Need a Scan?
Why most back pain doesn't need imaging straight away, the red flags that do, and how X-ray, CT and MRI compare for the spine - a guide for Australian patients.
Imaging Guide 7 min read
Sports Injury Scans: Ultrasound, MRI or X-Ray?
Which scan suits which sports injury - ultrasound for muscles and tendons, MRI for ligaments like the ACL, X-ray for fractures - and when to image versus rest, for Australian patients.
Imaging Guide 7 min read
Women's Health Imaging: Pelvic, Breast & Bone Scans
A guide to common women's health imaging in Australia - pelvic ultrasound, mammograms and breast imaging, DEXA bone density scans after menopause, and BreastScreen.
Imaging Guide 7 min read
Men's Health Imaging: Prostate MRI, Ultrasound & More
Common imaging tests for men's health in Australia - prostate MRI and PSA testing, scrotal ultrasound, AAA screening ultrasound, and bone density scans for older men.
Imaging Guide 6 min read
How Long Do Imaging Results Take in Australia?
Typical turnaround times for X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI results in Australia, how reports reach your GP, urgent reporting, and how to access your own images.
Practical Info 6 min read
Pelvic Ultrasound: What to Expect, Preparation & Cost
A patient guide to pelvic ultrasound in Australia - what the scan checks, transabdominal vs transvaginal approaches, the full-bladder preparation, costs, and bulk billing.
Imaging Guide 6 min read
Transvaginal Ultrasound: What to Expect & Why It's Done
What a transvaginal (internal) ultrasound involves in Australia - why doctors recommend it, whether it hurts, consent and chaperones, safety in pregnancy, preparation, and cost.
Imaging Guide 6 min read
Sonography vs Ultrasound: What's the Difference?
Sonography, sonogram, ultrasound - what the terms mean, what a sonographer does, the types of sonography available in Australia, and how to book a scan with a referral.
Imaging Guide 5 min read
Knee MRI: What It Shows, Cost & Referral Rules
A patient guide to knee MRI in Australia - what it detects (ACL, meniscus, cartilage), GP vs specialist referral rules, Medicare eligibility, cost, and what the scan is like.
Imaging Guide 6 min read
What Is Radiology? Scans, Radiologists & Finding a Clinic
Radiology explained for patients - what a radiology clinic does, the difference between radiologists, radiographers and sonographers, referral rules, costs, and how to find a radiology clinic near you in Australia.
Imaging Guide 6 min read
BreastScreen Victoria vs a Diagnostic Mammogram: Which Do You Need?
Understand the difference between free breast screening through BreastScreen Victoria and a diagnostic mammogram at a radiology clinic - and how to work out which path applies to you.
Practical Info 5 min read
CT Angiogram (CTA): Cardiac CT, Calcium Scores & Cost
A patient guide to CT angiography in Australia - what a CTA shows, cardiac CT coronary angiograms vs calcium scores, preparation, Medicare coverage, and costs.
Imaging Guide 6 min read
Pregnancy Ultrasounds in Australia: Every Scan, Week by Week
A clear timeline of the ultrasounds you'll have during pregnancy in Australia - the dating scan, 12-week nuchal translucency scan, 20-week morphology scan, and third-trimester growth scans - with typical timing, costs, and referral requirements.
Pregnancy 8 min read
Dating Scan (6-12 Weeks): What to Expect & Cost
Your first pregnancy ultrasound - what a dating scan shows, when to have it, how to prepare, whether you need a full bladder, and what it costs in Australia.
Pregnancy 6 min read
12-Week Scan (Nuchal Translucency): What to Expect & Cost
The nuchal translucency scan at 11-13 weeks explained - what it screens for, how combined first-trimester screening works, how NIPT fits in, and what it costs in Australia.
Pregnancy 6 min read
Morphology Scan (20 Weeks): What to Expect & Cost
The 20-week morphology scan explained - what the anatomy scan checks, how long it takes, whether you can find out your baby's sex, and what it costs in Australia.
Pregnancy 6 min read
Growth Scans in Pregnancy: When They're Needed & Cost
Third-trimester growth and wellbeing ultrasounds explained - why your doctor might order one, what Doppler scans measure, and what growth scans cost in Australia.
Pregnancy 5 min read
6, 7 & 8 Week Ultrasound: Early Pregnancy Scans Explained
What an early pregnancy ultrasound at 6, 7, or 8 weeks can show, why your doctor might order one before the routine dating scan, transvaginal scans, preparation, and costs in Australia.
Pregnancy 6 min read
Bulk Billed MRI in Melbourne: How to Find $0 Out-of-Pocket
Can you get a bulk billed MRI in Melbourne? How Medicare licensing works, who is eligible, and how to compare clinics that bulk bill MRI on Radly.
Practical Info 6 min read
Can I Get an MRI Without a Referral in Australia?
Do you need a referral for an MRI in Australia? What happens without one, Medicare rules, GP vs specialist referrals, and how to book once you have a form.
Referrals & Booking 6 min read
How Much Does an MRI Cost in Australia? (Ultrasound Too)
Typical MRI and ultrasound out-of-pocket costs in Australia with Medicare, when bulk billing applies, and how to compare clinics before you book.
Practical Info 7 min read
Bulk Billed Ultrasound in Melbourne: How to Pay $0
Where to find a bulk billing ultrasound near you in Melbourne - which scans are usually bulk billed, what you need for a Medicare rebate, and how to compare clinics on Radly.
Practical Info 6 min read
Bone Density Scan (DEXA) Cost & Medicare Eligibility
How much a bone density scan costs in Australia, who qualifies for a Medicare rebate on DEXA, how often you can have a rebated scan, and how to find a DEXA scan near you.
Practical Info 6 min read
GP-Referred MRI Under Medicare: What You Can and Can't Request
A practical guide for Australian GPs on Medicare-eligible MRI referrals - which categories of adult and paediatric MRI GPs can request, full versus partial machine licensing, and how to avoid referrals that won't attract a rebate.
For GPs 7 min read
Imaging for Low Back Pain: An Evidence-Based Guide for GPs
When to image low back pain and when not to - red flags that warrant imaging, choosing between X-ray, CT and MRI, and how to talk to patients who expect a scan. A practical guide for Australian GPs.
For GPs 7 min read
Paediatric Imaging Referrals: A Guide for GPs
How to refer children for imaging safely and effectively - minimising radiation with ALARA and ultrasound-first strategies, when CT is justified, sedation considerations for MRI, and choosing child-friendly clinics.
For GPs 7 min read
Contrast Safety for Referrers: Renal Function, Metformin and Allergy
What GPs need to know before referring for contrast-enhanced imaging - iodinated contrast and eGFR, metformin guidance, managing contrast allergy history, gadolinium in renal impairment, and what to document on the referral.
For GPs 7 min read
Imaging in Pregnancy: A Referrer's Guide
How to approach imaging referrals for pregnant patients - ultrasound and MRI as preferred modalities, honest risk framing for X-ray and CT, contrast in pregnancy and lactation, and what to document on the referral.
For GPs 7 min read
Reducing Low-Value Imaging: Choosing Wisely in General Practice
Common low-value imaging requests in Australian general practice - routine low back pain films, knee X-rays for osteoarthritis, imaging for uncomplicated headache - and practical, relationship-preserving ways to decline them.
For GPs 7 min read
Urgent vs Routine Imaging Referrals: Triage and Timeframes
How to mark urgency on imaging referrals so radiology practices act on it - what 'urgent' means to a clinic, realistic same-day access by modality, safety-netting patients while they wait, and finding clinics with shorter waits.
For GPs 6 min read
Managing Incidental Findings: A GP's Guide to Incidentalomas
How to manage the incidental findings that modern imaging inevitably produces - thyroid nodules, adrenal lesions, pulmonary nodules and renal cysts - with general follow-up frameworks, patient communication strategies, and documentation habits.
For GPs 8 min read
Helping Patients Afford Imaging: A Cost-Conversation Guide for GPs
How GPs can help patients follow through on imaging referrals - understanding bulk-billing variability, out-of-pocket estimates, concession considerations, Medicare safety nets, and how price transparency tools reduce referral drop-off.
For GPs 7 min read
How GPs Can Use Radly With Their Patients
A practical walkthrough of Radly for referring GPs - how patients find and compare Victorian imaging clinics by scan type and suburb, the AI referral analysis and QR phone-upload flow, multilingual support for CALD patients, and what clinic profiles show.
For GPs 6 min read
Getting the Most From Your Radly Clinic Listing
A practical checklist for imaging clinic managers: how to complete and optimise your Radly profile so it converts more of the patients who find you into booked appointments.
For Clinics 6 min read
Online Reviews for Radiology Practices: A Practical Guide
How imaging clinics can ethically build a strong review presence, respond to negative feedback without breaching patient privacy, and turn reviews into a genuine source of new bookings.
For Clinics 6 min read
Reducing No-Shows and Late Cancellations at Your Imaging Clinic
Practical, low-cost strategies for imaging clinic managers to cut no-show rates - reminder sequences, clearer preparation instructions, easier rescheduling, and systems for filling the gaps that remain.
For Clinics 6 min read
Why Publishing Your Prices Wins You Bookings
Cost uncertainty is one of the biggest reasons patients delay imaging. Here's why transparent per-scan pricing builds trust, how to handle the fear of price shoppers, and how pricing works on Radly.
For Clinics 6 min read
Serving Multilingual Patients at Your Imaging Clinic
Victoria is one of the most linguistically diverse places in the world. Here's how imaging clinics can serve patients who speak languages other than English - and win the bookings that come with it.
For Clinics 6 min read
Local SEO for Imaging Clinics: Getting Found in Your Suburb
A practical local search guide for imaging clinic managers - Google Business Profile, consistent business details, modality service pages, suburb keywords, directories, reviews and measurement.
For Clinics 7 min read
Building Strong GP Referrer Relationships
How imaging clinics earn and keep GP loyalty - fast report turnaround, urgent-slot access, feedback loops on report quality, respectful practice visits, and keeping referrer directories current.
For Clinics 6 min read
Patient Communication That Works for Imaging Clinics
The messages that make or break the imaging experience - booking confirmations with prep included, plain-language instructions by modality, day-before reminders, arrival details, and setting results expectations.
For Clinics 6 min read
The KPIs Every Imaging Clinic Should Track
Seven measurable indicators for imaging practice managers - appointment lead time, no-show rate, report turnaround, referrer mix, modality utilisation, patient satisfaction, and profile conversion - with practical ways to improve each.
For Clinics 7 min read
Making Your Imaging Clinic Genuinely Accessible
A practical accessibility guide for imaging clinic managers - wheelchair access, accessible bathrooms and parking, hearing loops, bariatric equipment, sensory-friendly appointments, and why listing your features wins bookings.
For Clinics 6 min read