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A cardiac MRI shows the structure and function of the heart without radiation. Learn what it shows, how to prepare and how Medicare referral rules apply.
Also called: heart MRI, CMR, cardiovascular MRI, MRI heart
Find a clinic for your cardiac MRI
13 clinics offer bulk billing for MRI — eligibility varies
Where to get a cardiac MRI
13 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly list cardiac MRI among their services.
Clinics for a cardiac MRI on Radly
See all 13 →
What is a cardiac MRI?
A cardiac MRI takes detailed moving pictures of the heart, showing how well the chambers pump, the condition of the heart muscle and valves, and the large blood vessels. It can show inflammation or scarring in the heart muscle that other tests may not.
Small sticky ECG pads are placed on your chest so the pictures can be timed to your heartbeat. You'll be asked to hold your breath many times for short periods. Gadolinium contrast is usually injected, and some studies include medication to assess blood flow under stress.
Why your doctor might request a cardiac MRI
- Assessing cardiomyopathy or unexplained heart muscle thickening
- Suspected myocarditis or inflammation of the heart
- Checking heart function after a heart attack
- Congenital heart conditions
- Assessing heart valves or the aorta
Cardiac MRI: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your cardiac MRI
- Complete the metal safety questionnaire — mention pacemakers, defibrillators or other heart devices well before your appointment
- If a stress study is planned, you'll usually be asked to avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate) for 24 hours
- You may be asked to fast for a few hours
- Tell the clinic about kidney problems or previous contrast reactions
How long it takes: About 45–75 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
Cardiac MRI attracts a Medicare rebate only for specific indications, generally on a specialist referral such as from a cardiologist, and on a Medicare-eligible machine. Requests outside those criteria are private. The clinic will confirm whether your referral is Medicare-eligible. 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 cardiac MRI 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.
Cardiac MRI FAQs
Can I have a cardiac MRI with a pacemaker?
Many newer devices are MRI-conditional and can be scanned with special arrangements. Tell the clinic about your device when you book so they can check.
Do I need to avoid caffeine before a cardiac MRI?
If your scan includes a stress component, yes — usually for 24 hours. The clinic will tell you if this applies.
How long does a cardiac MRI take?
Usually 45–75 minutes, depending on what your cardiologist has requested.
How do I book a cardiac MRI online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select MRI 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 cardiac MRI?
Appointments for MRI are usually 3 days to 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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