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A breast ultrasound checks a breast lump or a change seen on a mammogram. It is often used alongside a mammogram and is the main first test for younger women.
Also called: Breast lump ultrasound, Breast scan, Breast sonography, Axilla ultrasound
Find a clinic for your breast ultrasound
103 clinics offer bulk billing for ultrasound — eligibility varies
Where to get a breast ultrasound
105 clinics across Australia on Radly offer ultrasound.
Clinics for a breast ultrasound on Radly
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What is a breast ultrasound?
You lie on your back with your arm raised while the sonographer scans the breast and the armpit area. Ultrasound is especially good at telling whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst or solid tissue.
For women under about 35, breast tissue is often dense, so ultrasound is usually the first test. For older women it is commonly paired with a diagnostic mammogram to give a fuller picture.
Most breast lumps turn out to be benign, such as cysts or fibroadenomas. If something needs a closer look, the radiologist may suggest an ultrasound-guided biopsy, which is a separate appointment.
Why your doctor might request a breast ultrasound
- A new breast lump or thickening
- Breast pain in one area
- Following up a mammogram finding
- Nipple discharge or skin changes
- Swelling in the armpit
- Checking breast implants
Breast ultrasound: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your breast ultrasound
- No fasting is needed.
- Avoid deodorant, powder or lotion on the breasts and armpits on the day.
- Wear a two-piece outfit.
- Bring previous mammogram or breast ultrasound images and reports if done elsewhere.
How long it takes: About 20–30 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A referral from your GP or specialist is needed for a Medicare rebate. Some clinics bulk bill breast ultrasound for eligible patients, while others charge a gap, especially when done together with a mammogram. The clinic confirms billing when it accepts your booking request.
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 breast ultrasound 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.
Breast ultrasound FAQs
Do I need a mammogram as well as a breast ultrasound?
It depends on your age and symptoms. Over about 35, your doctor will often request both; younger women usually start with ultrasound alone.
Can breast ultrasound replace a screening mammogram?
No. Ultrasound is used to investigate symptoms or findings. Routine screening is done with mammography.
What if the radiologist finds something?
Most findings are benign. If more information is needed, a biopsy or follow-up scan may be recommended, and your doctor will talk through the results with you.
How do I book a breast ultrasound online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Ultrasound 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 breast ultrasound?
Appointments for ultrasound are usually 1–3 days, 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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