What to Bring to Your Imaging Appointment: Complete Checklist

Being prepared for your imaging appointment makes the process smoother, faster, and less stressful. Here's everything you should bring, explained clearly so nothing is missed.

The essential items for every imaging appointment are your referral, Medicare card, and a form of photo ID. But depending on your scan type, there may be additional things to bring or prepare. Use this guide as your pre-appointment checklist.

For every imaging appointment in Australia, you need:

• Your imaging referral - The original paper referral from your doctor, OR confirmation that it was sent electronically to the clinic. If you're unsure whether the clinic has received it, call ahead or bring your copy. Learn more about what should be on your referral in our how to read your imaging referral guide. • Medicare card - Your physical card or the digital Medicare card in the Medicare app or myGov. The clinic needs your Medicare number to process your rebate. • Photo ID - Driver's licence or other government-issued ID. Some clinics require this for identity verification. • Health care concession card (if applicable) - Pensioner, healthcare card, or DVA card. Many clinics offer bulk billing to concession card holders, so bring it even if you're not sure. • Private health insurance card (if applicable) - Rarely needed for outpatient imaging, but some clinics accept it for specific procedures.

If you've lost your referral, contact your GP's office - they can usually reprint or re-send it same-day.

If you've had previous scans related to your current condition, bring them:

• CD or USB of previous images - The radiologist may want to compare your new scan with older ones to assess changes • Previous radiology reports - Printed or digital copies of past reports • Images from a different clinic - If your previous imaging was done elsewhere, the new clinic may not have access

When comparison imaging is important: • Follow-up scans (e.g., monitoring a nodule or post-treatment assessment) • Chronic conditions (e.g., comparing joint changes over time) • Post-surgical imaging (comparing to pre-operative scans)

If you don't have the physical images, tell the clinic which facility performed your previous scan and the approximate date. They can sometimes request images electronically from the other clinic.

Don't worry if you don't have previous images for a first-time scan - they're only needed when comparison is clinically relevant.

What you wear can make a real difference to how smoothly your appointment goes:

Do wear: • Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes (tracksuit pants, t-shirt, slip-on shoes) • Clothes without metal - no zippers, underwire bras, metal buttons, or belt buckles • Easy-to-remove clothing if you may need to change into a gown

Do NOT wear: • Jewellery - remove rings, necklaces, earrings, watches, and piercings before arriving (or be prepared to remove them at the clinic) • Underwire bras - particularly problematic for chest, spine, and breast imaging • Clothes with metal zips or studs - these show up on X-rays and can interfere with MRI and CT • Heavy makeup or metallic cosmetics - some contain metal particles that can appear on facial/brain scans

For MRI scans specifically: absolutely no metal can enter the scanner room. The clinic will provide a gown and secure storage for your belongings. Remove hair clips, hearing aids, dentures, and any body piercings you can safely remove.

Know the cost before you arrive so there are no surprises:

• Confirm the cost when booking - ask "What will I pay out of pocket?" The clinic must tell you. • Bring a payment method - debit/credit card or cash (some clinics are card-only) • Know your Medicare entitlements - with a valid referral, most scans have at least a partial Medicare rebate • Check if you qualify for bulk billing - if you hold a concession card, mention it when booking AND bring the card to your appointment

Typical payment scenarios: • Bulk-billed: You pay nothing. The clinic claims directly from Medicare. • Gap payment: You pay the difference between the clinic fee and Medicare rebate (usually at reception before or after the scan). • Full fee with Medicare claim: You pay full price upfront and claim the Medicare rebate back via myGov or the Medicare app.

For detailed pricing by scan type, see our guide on imaging costs in Australia.

The clinic will ask you screening questions before your scan. Having this information ready speeds up the process:

• Current medications - especially diabetes medication (metformin), blood thinners, and any medications affecting kidney function • Allergies - particularly to contrast dye, iodine, or any medications • Medical conditions - diabetes, kidney disease, heart conditions, claustrophobia • Pregnancy status - tell the clinic if you are or might be pregnant (affects X-ray, CT, and some MRI scans) • Implants or metal in your body - pacemakers, cochlear implants, joint replacements, metal plates, screws, shrapnel, or any other metal. Critical for MRI safety. • Previous reactions to contrast dye - if you've had contrast before and experienced a reaction

If you're unsure about any of these, it's better to mention it and let the clinic assess. They deal with these questions daily and would rather know than not know.

For detailed preparation instructions specific to your scan type, read our guide on how to prepare for imaging.

Print or screenshot this checklist before your appointment:

□ Referral (paper copy or confirmation clinic has electronic copy) □ Medicare card (physical or digital) □ Photo ID □ Concession card / DVA card (if applicable) □ Previous imaging CD/USB and reports (if relevant) □ Payment method (card or cash) □ Comfortable metal-free clothing □ List of current medications □ Knowledge of any allergies or medical conditions □ Phone/book for waiting room □ Someone to drive you home (only if sedation is expected - rare)

Arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment time to allow for registration. If it's your first visit to this clinic, you may have additional paperwork.

Still have questions about what to expect? Read our complete guide on your first imaging appointment.