What Happens After You Get an Imaging Referral?

You've just left your doctor's office with a referral for medical imaging. Now what? Many patients feel unsure about the next steps - do you call a clinic? Can you go anywhere? How long do you have?

Here's a complete walkthrough of the process from referral to results, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

The short version: You choose a clinic, book an appointment, attend your scan, and wait for results to come back to your doctor. The whole process typically takes 1-2 weeks from referral to follow-up. Let's break down each step.

Your referral is not locked to any one clinic - you have complete freedom to choose where you go. Here are your options for finding a clinic:

• Book an MRI near you or book an ultrasound on Radly - compare clinics by location, bulk-billing, wait times, and patient reviews • Search all imaging clinics - filter by scan type and suburb • Ask your GP - they may suggest a clinic they trust or one nearby • Call clinics directly - ask about pricing, availability, and preparation

When comparing clinics, consider: • Cost - Does the clinic bulk-bill? What's the out-of-pocket gap? • Location - Is it convenient to get to? • Wait time - How soon can you get an appointment? • Opening hours - Do they offer early morning, evening, or weekend slots? • Equipment - For MRI, is the scanner Medicare-licensed?

You don't need to rush. A GP referral is valid for 12 months, so take time to find the best option. However, if your doctor has marked the referral as urgent, book within the timeframe they've recommended.

Once you've chosen a clinic, you can book by:

• Submitting a booking enquiry through Radly - the clinic will contact you to confirm • Calling the clinic directly - have your referral handy as they'll ask about the scan type • Booking online - some clinics offer direct online booking through their own website

When you book, the clinic will tell you: • Your appointment date and time • Any preparation required (fasting, full bladder, medication changes) • What to bring (referral, Medicare card, previous images) • How much it will cost and payment options • Where to go on the day (address, parking, which entrance)

Write this information down or ask them to send it via SMS or email. Preparation instructions are important - if you haven't fasted when required, for example, the scan may need to be rescheduled. See our guide on how to prepare for imaging for detailed preparation tips by scan type.

Preparation varies depending on your scan type:

• X-rays - No preparation needed. Wear comfortable clothes without metal. • Ultrasound - May require fasting (abdominal) or a full bladder (pelvic). The clinic will specify. • CT scan - May require fasting (4-6 hours) if contrast is used. Blood test may be needed for kidney function. • MRI - Remove all metal. Disclose implants. Arrives in comfortable clothing. Prepare for 20-60 minutes in the scanner. • PET scan - Fast 4-6 hours. No exercise 24-48 hours before. Allow 2-3 hours for the full appointment.

General preparation for all scans: • Gather your documents - referral, Medicare card, previous imaging if relevant • Wear comfortable, loose clothing without metal (zips, underwire, belt buckles) • Know how you'll get there - parking, public transport, allow extra time • Arrange a driver if sedation is possible (rare, mainly for some MRI scans)

For a comprehensive preparation guide, read what to bring to your appointment.

On the day of your scan:

1. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for registration and paperwork 2. Present your referral (paper or electronic) and Medicare card at reception 3. Complete a patient consent form and safety screening questionnaire 4. The receptionist will confirm costs - you'll pay any out-of-pocket amount before or after the scan 5. A radiographer (the technician who operates the scanner) will call you in 6. They'll explain the scan, position you, and perform the imaging 7. The scan itself takes anywhere from 2 minutes (X-ray) to 60 minutes (MRI) 8. You're usually free to leave immediately afterwards

If contrast dye is being used, a small needle will be inserted in your arm beforehand. You may be asked to wait 15-30 minutes after the scan to ensure no adverse reaction. Read our guide on contrast dye for full details.

Remember: the radiographer will not give you results on the spot. Your images need to be reviewed by a radiologist, which takes time.

After your scan, a specialist doctor called a radiologist reviews your images and writes a detailed report. This report is sent to your referring doctor (the GP or specialist who wrote your referral).

Typical turnaround times: • X-ray - 24-48 hours (same day for urgent cases) • Ultrasound - 24-48 hours • CT scan - 1-2 business days • MRI - 2-3 business days • PET scan - 3-5 business days

If something urgent or unexpected is found, the radiologist will typically call your doctor immediately - you don't need to worry about critical findings being missed.

During the wait: • Don't panic about the timeframe - it's normal for reports to take a few days • If you haven't heard from your doctor within a week, call their office to check • Some clinics offer patient portals where you can view your report online

For help understanding what your report says, see our guide on understanding scan results.

Once your doctor receives the radiology report, they'll contact you or you'll attend a follow-up appointment. At this appointment:

• Your doctor will explain the results in context of your symptoms and history • If the scan is normal - great news. Your doctor will discuss other investigations or reassurance. • If something is found - your doctor will explain what it means, its significance, and next steps • Next steps might include: treatment, referral to a specialist, further imaging, monitoring, or physiotherapy

Tips for your follow-up: • Bring a list of questions - write down anything you want to ask before the appointment • Ask for a copy of the report - you're entitled to have your own copy • Ask about timeframes - if further action is needed, ask how urgent it is • Take notes or bring someone with you - it can be hard to absorb information when you're anxious

If your results require specialist care, your GP will write a new referral. The cycle of referral → investigation → follow-up is how Australian healthcare coordinates complex care across multiple providers.

Need to book another scan? Search for clinics on Radly to compare options again.