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A CT chest scan gives detailed images of the lungs, airways and chest. Learn what it shows, how to prepare, radiation and Medicare billing.
Also called: chest CT, CT thorax, lung CT, CT scan of the lungs, HRCT chest
Find a clinic for your CT chest
91 clinics offer bulk billing for CT scan — eligibility varies
Where to get a CT chest
92 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer CT scan.
Clinics for a CT chest on Radly
See all 92 →
What is a CT chest?
A CT chest scan takes detailed cross-sectional pictures of the lungs, airways, heart outline, chest wall and lymph nodes. It shows far more than a chest X-ray and is often used to follow up a finding or investigate ongoing symptoms.
You lie on your back with your arms above your head and are asked to hold your breath for a few seconds. Some scans use contrast injected into a vein. A high-resolution (HRCT) scan looks closely at lung tissue, and a low-dose technique is used where suitable.
Why your doctor might request a CT chest
- Following up a spot or shadow seen on a chest X-ray
- Persistent cough or shortness of breath
- Monitoring a known lung nodule
- Assessing lung conditions such as bronchiectasis or interstitial lung disease
- Coughing up blood
CT chest: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your CT chest
- No preparation is needed for most non-contrast chest CTs
- If contrast is used, you may be asked to fast briefly and to have a kidney function blood test
- Remove necklaces and any clothing with metal
- Tell staff if you are, or might be, pregnant
How long it takes: About 10–20 minutes at the clinic
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A CT chest scan needs a referral. With a valid referral, CT attracts a Medicare rebate, and many clinics bulk bill some CT — it varies by clinic. Australia's National Lung Cancer Screening Program uses low-dose CT for eligible people through a separate pathway; ask your GP if this applies to you. 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 CT chest 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.
CT chest FAQs
Is a CT chest scan bulk billed?
Many clinics bulk bill CT chest with a valid referral, but not all. The clinic will confirm before your scan.
Do I need to fast for a CT chest?
Usually not for a non-contrast scan. If contrast is planned, the clinic may ask you to fast for a couple of hours.
What if the CT finds a lung nodule?
Small nodules are common and most are harmless. Your doctor may recommend a follow-up scan to check it doesn't change.
How do I book a CT chest online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select CT Scan 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 CT chest?
Appointments for CT scan are usually 1–4 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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