X-Ray: What to Expect, Preparation & Cost

An X-ray is the most common and widely available medical imaging test. It uses a small dose of ionising radiation to produce images of the inside of your body, particularly bones and the chest.

X-rays are quick, painless, and available at most radiology clinics, hospitals, and some GP practices across Australia. They're usually the first imaging test ordered when a doctor suspects a fracture, infection, or other condition visible on plain film.

X-rays are most commonly used for:

• Fractures and broken bones - the most common reason for an X-ray • Chest conditions - pneumonia, lung infections, heart size, fluid in the lungs • Joint problems - arthritis, dislocations, joint space narrowing • Dental issues - cavities, impacted teeth, jaw alignment • Foreign objects - swallowed items, metal fragments • Spinal conditions - scoliosis, compression fractures, disc space narrowing • Pre-surgical planning - assessing bone alignment before surgery

X-rays show bones very well but are less detailed for soft tissues. If your doctor needs more detail, they may order an ultrasound, CT, or MRI instead.

X-rays require minimal preparation:

• Wear comfortable, loose clothing. You may be asked to change into a gown. • Remove metal objects from the area being scanned - jewellery, watches, belt buckles, bras with underwire. • Tell the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant. • No fasting is required for standard X-rays.

The clinic will advise you if any special preparation is needed for your particular X-ray.

X-rays are very quick - most take less than 10 minutes including positioning.

You'll be positioned by the radiographer, who may ask you to stand, sit, or lie on a table depending on the body part. A lead apron may be placed over parts of your body not being imaged to reduce radiation exposure.

You'll need to stay still for a few seconds while the image is taken. You won't feel anything. Multiple images may be taken from different angles.

Results are usually reviewed by a radiologist and sent to your doctor within 24-48 hours, though urgent cases can be reported much faster.

X-rays are generally the most affordable imaging test:

• Bulk-billed (no cost to you): Available at many clinics with a valid Medicare referral • With Medicare rebate: $0-$50 out-of-pocket • Without Medicare: $50-$150

Most standard X-rays are fully covered by Medicare when you have a valid referral. Bulk billing for X-rays is very common across Australia.

Very likely, yes. X-rays are the most commonly bulk billed scan in Australia - with a valid referral and Medicare card, most radiology clinics charge nothing for a standard X-ray.

Two practical points if you need one today:

• Many clinics take X-ray walk-ins with no appointment - handy when you're searching "open now" with a referral in hand • Bulk billing policies still vary by clinic and scan type, so a 30-second check beats an assumption

Compare X-ray clinics near you on Radly - profiles show bulk billing and opening hours, and you can request a time online instead of ringing around.

An OPG (orthopantomogram) is a panoramic dental X-ray - a single curved image showing all your teeth, both jaws, and the jaw joints. Dentists and orthodontists order it for wisdom teeth, orthodontic planning, implants, and jaw problems.

A few things worth knowing:

• The referral usually comes from a dentist or orthodontist rather than a GP, and dentist-referred OPGs can attract a Medicare rebate • You stand at the machine while it rotates around your head for about 20 seconds - no lying down, nothing touches you • Remove earrings, necklaces, glasses, and facial piercings before the scan

Not every X-ray clinic has an OPG machine, so check before you go - search dental X-ray clinics near you on Radly to find one that does.

X-rays use a very small dose of ionising radiation. The dose from a standard chest X-ray (0.02 mSv) is roughly equivalent to a few hours of natural background radiation.

The risk from a single X-ray is extremely low. However, radiation exposure is cumulative over a lifetime, so X-rays are only ordered when clinically necessary.

Pregnant women should avoid unnecessary X-rays, especially to the abdomen and pelvis. Always inform the clinic if you are or might be pregnant - in many cases, alternative imaging like ultrasound can be used instead.