Book a hand X-ray
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A hand X-ray shows the bones of your palm and fingers. It is the usual first test after a fall, punch or crush injury, and is also used to look at arthritis in the hand.
Also called: Hand radiograph, X-ray of the hand, Broken hand X-ray, Metacarpal X-ray
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100 clinics offer bulk billing for X-ray — eligibility varies
Where to get a hand X-ray
101 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer X-ray.
Clinics for a hand X-ray on Radly
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What is a hand X-ray?
A hand X-ray creates pictures of the 27 small bones in your hand and wrist area. It is most often used to check for a broken bone, such as a fracture of a metacarpal (the long bones in your palm) after a punch or fall.
You sit beside the X-ray table and rest your hand flat on a panel. The radiographer usually takes three views: palm down, at an angle, and side-on. Each one takes a second and you just need to keep still.
X-rays show bone well, but not tendons or ligaments. If your doctor suspects a tendon injury, an ultrasound is often the next step.
Why your doctor might request a hand X-ray
- Pain, swelling or deformity after a fall or knock
- Suspected boxer's fracture after punching something
- Checking for arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Following up a fracture to check healing
- Looking for a foreign body like glass or metal
- Bone age assessment in children
Hand X-ray: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your hand X-ray
- No special preparation is needed.
- Remove rings, watches and bracelets if you can. If a ring won't come off because of swelling, let the radiographer know.
- Tell the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant.
- Bring your referral and Medicare card.
How long it takes: About 10–15 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
Hand X-rays need a referral to attract a Medicare rebate. GPs and specialists can refer, and some allied health practitioners, such as physiotherapists and chiropractors, can request certain X-rays too. Many clinics bulk bill X-rays for eligible patients, but this varies, so the clinic confirms billing when you book. Work or transport injuries may be covered under WorkCover or TAC.
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 hand 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.
Hand X-ray FAQs
Do I need a referral for a hand X-ray?
Yes, for a Medicare rebate you need a referral from a GP, specialist or eligible allied health practitioner such as a physio.
Can a hand X-ray miss a fracture?
Some small or hairline fractures are hard to see straight away. If pain continues, your doctor may repeat the X-ray after 10–14 days or arrange another scan.
Will a hand X-ray show a tendon injury?
No. Tendons and ligaments don't show on X-ray. An ultrasound is usually used to look at hand tendons.
How do I book a hand 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 hand 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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