Book an image-guided cortisone injection
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An image-guided cortisone injection uses ultrasound or CT to place anti-inflammatory medication exactly where it's needed. Learn how it's done, how to prepare and Medicare.
Also called: cortisone injection, steroid injection, facet joint injection, epidural injection, CT guided injection
Find a clinic for your image-guided cortisone injection
53 clinics offer bulk billing for interventional radiology — eligibility varies
Where to get an image-guided cortisone injection
54 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer interventional radiology.
Clinics for an image-guided cortisone injection on Radly
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What is an image-guided cortisone injection?
A cortisone (steroid) injection reduces inflammation and pain in a joint, bursa, tendon sheath or around a nerve. Using ultrasound or CT to guide the needle helps the radiologist place the medication precisely, which is especially useful for deeper areas.
Common sites include the shoulder (subacromial bursa), hip, knee, small joints of the spine (facet joints), around a spinal nerve root, and the epidural space. A local anaesthetic is usually mixed in, so you may feel relief quickly, with the cortisone taking effect over several days.
Why your doctor might request an image-guided cortisone injection
- Shoulder bursitis or impingement
- Hip bursitis or hip joint pain
- Facet joint pain in the neck or lower back
- Sciatica or arm pain from an irritated nerve (nerve root block or epidural)
- Osteoarthritis flare in a joint
Image-guided cortisone injection: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your image-guided cortisone injection
- Tell the clinic about blood thinners — some may need to be paused, but only on your doctor's advice
- If you have diabetes, cortisone can temporarily raise blood sugar; monitor it closely for a few days
- Let staff know if you have an infection or are unwell on the day
- For spinal injections, arrange for someone to drive you home
- Wear clothing that gives easy access to the area
How long it takes: About 30–60 minutes at the clinic, including a short observation period
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
An image-guided injection needs a referral from a GP or specialist, and many are performed by radiologists. With a valid referral the imaging guidance attracts a Medicare rebate; some clinics bulk bill and others charge a gap — it varies. The clinic will confirm billing and any medication instructions. 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 image-guided cortisone injection 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.
Image-guided cortisone injection FAQs
Can a GP refer me for a cortisone injection?
Yes. Your GP can refer you for an ultrasound- or CT-guided injection.
How long does a cortisone injection take to work?
The local anaesthetic may ease pain within minutes. The cortisone usually starts working within a few days to a week.
Can I drive after a facet joint or epidural injection?
It's best not to. Arrange for someone to take you home, as your legs or arm may feel numb or weak for a short time.
How many cortisone injections can I have?
Your doctor will usually limit how often the same area is injected. Talk with them about the right plan for you.
How do I book an image-guided cortisone injection online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Interventional Radiology 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 an image-guided cortisone injection?
Appointments for interventional radiology are depends on the procedure, 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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