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A barium swallow uses live X-ray to watch a contrast drink pass down your oesophagus. Learn why it's done, how to prepare and how Medicare applies.
Also called: barium swallow test, oesophagram, swallow study, barium meal
Find a clinic for your barium swallow
13 clinics offer bulk billing for fluoroscopy — eligibility varies
Where to get a barium swallow
13 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly list barium swallow among their services.
Clinics for a barium swallow on Radly
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What is a barium swallow?
A barium swallow is a live X-ray (fluoroscopy) study of your throat and oesophagus (food pipe). You drink a chalky barium liquid while the radiologist or radiographer watches it travel down on a screen and takes pictures.
It shows how you swallow and can reveal narrowing, pouches, reflux or a hiatus hernia. You may be asked to change position, swallow fizzy granules or eat a small piece of food coated in barium. A barium meal extends the study to the stomach.
Why your doctor might request a barium swallow
- Difficulty swallowing or food sticking
- Suspected reflux or hiatus hernia
- Pain on swallowing
- Checking after oesophageal or stomach surgery
Barium swallow: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your barium swallow
- Fast for several hours beforehand — the clinic will give exact instructions
- Tell staff if you are, or might be, pregnant
- Wear clothing without metal around the neck and chest
- Drink plenty of water afterwards; your stools may be pale for a day or two
How long it takes: About 20–30 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A barium swallow needs a referral, which a GP or specialist can provide. With a valid referral it attracts a Medicare rebate, and some clinics bulk bill — it varies by clinic. The radiation dose is kept as low as possible. The clinic will confirm billing for your referral. Booking through Radly sends a request, and the clinic confirms the time with you.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your barium swallow and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Barium swallow FAQs
Do I need to fast for a barium swallow?
Yes, usually for several hours so your stomach is empty. The clinic will confirm.
What does barium taste like?
It's thick and chalky, often lightly flavoured. Most people manage it without trouble.
Are there side effects?
Barium can cause constipation. Drink extra water afterwards, and your stools may look pale for a day or two.
How do I book a barium swallow online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Fluoroscopy as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a barium swallow?
Appointments for fluoroscopy are usually within 1–2 weeks, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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