Do I Need a Referral for an MRI, CT or Ultrasound?

Yes - in Australia, you need a referral from a doctor (GP or specialist) for almost all medical imaging. A referral is a written request that tells the imaging clinic what scan to perform, which body part to examine, and the clinical reason for the investigation.

A valid referral serves two important purposes: it ensures your scan is clinically appropriate, and it makes you eligible for a Medicare rebate. Without one, you can still get most scans done at private clinics, but you'll pay the full cost out of pocket - which can be hundreds of dollars more.

The only major exception is BreastScreen Australia's free mammography screening program, which eligible women can book directly without a referral.

Almost every diagnostic imaging test in Australia requires a referral to attract a Medicare rebate:

• X-rays - GP or specialist referral. Almost always bulk-billed with a referral. • Ultrasound - GP or specialist referral. Commonly bulk-billed for pregnancy and abdominal scans. • CT scan - GP or specialist referral. Broad Medicare coverage. • MRI - GP or specialist referral. Medicare coverage is more limited - not all MRI machines are Medicare-licensed, and some indications require a specialist referral specifically. • PET scan - Usually requires a specialist referral. Medicare covers specific approved indications (mostly cancer-related). • Nuclear medicine - GP or specialist referral. • DEXA scan - GP or specialist referral, but Medicare eligibility has specific criteria. • Mammography - Referral needed for diagnostic mammograms; screening mammograms through BreastScreen are referral-free.

Not sure what type of scan you need? Your GP will recommend the most appropriate imaging based on your symptoms. Read our guide on what is a medical referral for a full overview.

Referral validity depends on who wrote it:

• GP referral: Valid for 12 months from the date it was written • Specialist referral: Valid for 3 months, unless the specialist specifies a longer period or writes "indefinite" • Hospital discharge referral: Validity varies - check with the imaging clinic

Your referral must still be valid on the date of your appointment. If it has expired, you'll need to visit your doctor for a new one before the clinic can proceed.

Important: you don't need to rush to book immediately after receiving a referral. A GP referral gives you a full 12 months, which means you have time to compare clinics, check prices, and find a time that works for you. Use Radly to search for the best option near you.

Absolutely. In Australia, you have full freedom to take your referral to any imaging clinic you choose. Your referral is not locked to any specific provider.

Your doctor may suggest a particular clinic - often one nearby or one they trust - but you are never obligated to follow that suggestion. If another clinic is more convenient, cheaper, or has shorter wait times, you can book there instead.

This is exactly what Radly is built for. Book an MRI near you, book an ultrasound, or search all imaging clinics. Compare bulk billing, read patient reviews, and submit a booking enquiry without calling multiple clinics. Learn more in our guide on how to choose an imaging clinic.

A valid imaging referral must include:

• Your full name and date of birth • The referring doctor's name, Medicare provider number, and signature • The date the referral was written • The type of scan requested (e.g., "MRI left knee" or "CT chest with contrast") • The clinical indication - the reason for the scan (e.g., "?ACL tear following sports injury") • Relevant clinical history that helps the radiologist interpret your images

If any of these are missing or unclear, the imaging clinic may need to contact your doctor for clarification, which can delay your appointment. If you want to understand each part of your referral in detail, read our guide on how to read your imaging referral.

Not sure what "clinical indication" means? We've written a dedicated guide to clinical indications that explains it in plain English.

Without a valid referral:

• You can still have most scans done at private clinics, but you'll pay the full cost with no Medicare rebate • Some clinics won't accept self-referred patients for certain scans (especially MRI and CT) • Your scan results may not be automatically sent to a doctor unless you arrange it • You miss out on the safety net of having a doctor assess whether imaging is clinically appropriate

It's almost always better to see your GP first. The consultation itself is often bulk-billed (free), and the referral they write unlocks significant Medicare savings on your scan - sometimes reducing a $500+ MRI to under $100 out-of-pocket.

Once you have your referral, you can book an MRI online, book an ultrasound, or search clinics on Radly and book your appointment. For a step-by-step walkthrough of what happens next, see our guide on what happens after a referral.

Generally, one referral covers one scan or a group of related scans ordered together. For example, your doctor might write a single referral for "X-ray left hand - AP and lateral views" which covers multiple images in one session.

However, if you need completely different scans at different times (e.g., a knee MRI now and a shoulder ultrasound later), you'll typically need separate referrals for each.

Some specialists write referrals that cover ongoing monitoring - for example, "MRI brain with contrast - 6-monthly for 2 years." These allow repeat scans under one referral. Check with your clinic if you're unsure whether your referral covers your specific situation.

Getting a referral is straightforward:

1. Book an appointment with your GP (or specialist if you already see one) 2. Describe your symptoms or concern 3. Your doctor will assess whether imaging is appropriate for your situation 4. If imaging is needed, they'll write a referral specifying the scan type, body part, and clinical reason 5. You'll receive the referral as a printed form, digital document, or it may be sent electronically to the clinic

Once you have your referral, you can upload it to Radly to find matching clinics, or search directly by scan type and location.

If your GP has given you a referral and you'd like help understanding what's on it, read our guide on how to read your imaging referral.