Book a finger X-ray
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A finger X-ray takes close-up pictures of one finger or thumb. It is used after jams, crush injuries and sporting knocks to check for a break or dislocation.
Also called: Thumb X-ray, Broken finger X-ray, Digit X-ray, Phalanx X-ray
Find a clinic for your finger X-ray
100 clinics offer bulk billing for X-ray — eligibility varies
Where to get a finger X-ray
101 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer X-ray.
Clinics for a finger X-ray on Radly
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What is a finger X-ray?
A finger X-ray focuses on the small bones (phalanges) and joints of a single finger or thumb. Because the bones are small, the radiographer centres the image on the injured finger to get fine detail.
You rest your hand on the panel and the radiographer positions the finger for a front view and a side view. For the side view, the other fingers are moved out of the way, sometimes with a foam pad. If movement is painful, they will work with you to find a comfortable position.
Finger X-rays show fractures, dislocations and small chips of bone pulled off by a tendon or ligament. The tendon itself doesn't show, so injuries like mallet finger are diagnosed with the X-ray and a clinical examination together.
Why your doctor might request a finger X-ray
- Jammed finger from ball sports such as basketball or netball
- Crush injury, such as a finger caught in a door
- Suspected dislocation or a finger that looks crooked
- Mallet finger, where the fingertip droops
- Thumb injuries such as skier's thumb
Finger X-ray: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your finger X-ray
- No special preparation is needed.
- Remove rings from the injured hand if possible. Don't force a ring off a swollen finger; tell the radiographer instead.
- Tell the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant.
- Bring your referral and Medicare card.
How long it takes: About 10 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
For a Medicare rebate, finger X-rays need a referral from a GP, specialist or eligible allied health practitioner such as a physiotherapist. Many clinics bulk bill X-rays for eligible patients, and the clinic confirms billing for your situation. Your booking on Radly is a request that the clinic confirms.
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 finger 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.
Finger X-ray FAQs
Should I get an X-ray for a jammed finger?
If the finger is very swollen, bent, can't straighten or is still painful after a few days, it's worth seeing your GP or physio, who may refer you for an X-ray.
Can they X-ray just one finger?
Yes. Finger X-rays are centred on the injured finger. Sometimes the whole hand is included if the injury might extend further.
Will a finger X-ray show a torn tendon?
No, but it can show a small piece of bone pulled off where the tendon attaches. Ultrasound can look at the tendon directly.
How do I book a finger 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 finger 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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