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A chest X-ray takes a quick picture of your lungs, heart outline and ribs. It is one of the most common imaging tests and is often used to check for chest infections, a persistent cough or breathlessness.
Also called: CXR, Lung X-ray, Chest radiograph, Thorax X-ray
Find a clinic for your chest X-ray
100 clinics offer bulk billing for X-ray — eligibility varies
Where to get a chest X-ray
101 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer X-ray.
Clinics for a chest X-ray on Radly
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What is a chest X-ray?
A chest X-ray uses a very small dose of radiation to create a picture of the inside of your chest. Air-filled lungs appear dark, while the heart, blood vessels, ribs and diaphragm show up in shades of white and grey, so the radiologist can see whether something looks out of place.
Most chest X-rays include a view taken from behind while you stand facing a flat panel and take a deep breath in (a PA view). A side-on (lateral) view is often added. If you are unwell or in a wheelchair, the image can be taken while sitting.
A chest X-ray is a good first look, but it can miss small or early changes. If your doctor needs more detail, they may request a CT chest scan.
Why your doctor might request a chest X-ray
- Cough that won't settle, or a suspected chest infection or pneumonia
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Checking for fluid around the lungs or a collapsed lung
- Pre-employment, visa or immigration health checks
- Follow-up of a previous chest condition
- Suspected rib injury after a fall
Chest X-ray: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your chest X-ray
- No fasting or special preparation is needed.
- You will usually change into a gown from the waist up, so a two-piece outfit is easiest.
- Remove necklaces and anything metal around your chest.
- Tell the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant.
- Bring your referral and Medicare card.
How long it takes: About 10–15 minutes, with the X-ray itself taking seconds
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A chest X-ray needs a referral from your GP, specialist or another eligible practitioner to attract a Medicare rebate. Many clinics bulk bill chest X-rays for eligible Medicare card holders, but billing varies by clinic and situation, so the clinic confirms when you book. Visa and employment medicals may be billed differently. Booking through Radly sends a request, and the clinic confirms your appointment.
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 chest X-ray 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.
Chest X-ray FAQs
Can I walk in for a chest X-ray?
Many X-ray clinics accept walk-ins, but waits vary through the day. Sending a booking request first lets the clinic confirm a time that suits you.
Will a chest X-ray show pneumonia?
Often, yes. Pneumonia usually shows as a whiter patch in the lung. Very early infections can look normal, so your doctor considers your symptoms as well.
Can a chest X-ray detect lung cancer?
It can show some lung masses, but small or hidden ones may be missed. If there is concern, your doctor may arrange a CT chest scan instead.
How much radiation is in a chest X-ray?
Very little. A chest X-ray dose is roughly similar to a few days of natural background radiation that everyone receives from the environment.
How do I book a chest X-ray online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select X-Ray 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 chest X-ray?
Appointments for X-ray are walk-in or same day at most clinics, 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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