How to Choose an Imaging Clinic in Australia

Yes. In Australia, you have the right to take your imaging referral to any clinic you choose. Your referral is not locked to a specific provider.

Your doctor may suggest a clinic - often one they know and trust, or one nearby. That suggestion is perfectly valid, but you're never obligated to follow it. If you'd prefer a different clinic for any reason (cost, location, wait time, opening hours), you can absolutely choose another.

The scan and report quality are the same regardless of which accredited clinic you attend. All radiology clinics in Australia must meet the same accreditation standards set by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR).

Key factors to compare:

• Cost: Does the clinic bulk-bill, or is there a gap fee? How much will you pay out-of-pocket? Costs for the same scan can vary by hundreds of dollars between clinics. • Location: Is it easy to get to? Is there parking? Is it near public transport? • Wait times: How soon can you get an appointment? Some clinics have same-day availability; others may have a 1-2 week wait. • Opening hours: Does the clinic offer early morning, evening, or weekend appointments? This matters if you work or have school-age children. • Equipment: For MRI, is the machine Medicare-licensed? Is it a newer scanner (3T vs 1.5T)? For CT, does the clinic have a modern low-dose scanner? • Specialisation: Some clinics specialise in certain areas (e.g., musculoskeletal, women's imaging, cardiac). If your scan is complex, a specialist centre may be preferred. • Patient reviews: What do other patients say about their experience?

Before you book, ask the clinic:

1. "How much will this scan cost me out-of-pocket?" - They must give you a clear answer. 2. "Do you bulk-bill?" - And if so, for everyone or only concession card holders? 3. "How soon can I get an appointment?" - Important if your referral is time-sensitive. 4. "Do I need to do anything to prepare?" - Fasting, full bladder, avoiding certain medications. 5. "How long will the appointment take?" - So you can plan your day. 6. "How will I get my results?" - And how long will they take? 7. "Is your MRI machine Medicare-licensed?" - Only relevant for MRI, but important for cost.

A good clinic will answer these questions clearly and helpfully. If you feel rushed or can't get straight answers, consider looking elsewhere.

All diagnostic imaging practices in Australia must be accredited to provide Medicare-eligible services. Accreditation ensures:

• Equipment meets safety and quality standards • Staff are appropriately qualified • Radiation doses are monitored and optimised • Quality assurance programs are in place • Reports are generated by qualified radiologists

Accreditation is overseen by the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS). You can be confident that any accredited clinic meets national quality standards.

This means the clinical quality of your scan is assured regardless of which accredited clinic you choose. The differences come down to cost, convenience, and patient experience.

Radly makes it easy to compare imaging clinics near you:

• Search by scan type and location to see available clinics • Compare pricing and billing policies side by side • Read patient reviews and ratings • See opening hours and appointment availability • Check which modalities and specialisations each clinic offers • Submit a booking enquiry directly through the platform

You don't need to call multiple clinics and ask the same questions over and over. Radly brings all the information together so you can make an informed choice quickly.

Remember: choosing the right clinic isn't just about cost. Consider the full picture - convenience, wait time, patient experience, and specialist capabilities all matter.