Book a hip X-ray
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A hip X-ray shows your hip joints and pelvis. It is the main test for hip arthritis and for checking a hip fracture after a fall.
Also called: Pelvis X-ray, Pelvic X-ray, Hip radiograph, Hip joint X-ray
Find a clinic for your hip X-ray
100 clinics offer bulk billing for X-ray — eligibility varies
Where to get a hip X-ray
101 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer X-ray.
Clinics for a hip X-ray on Radly
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What is a hip X-ray?
A hip X-ray usually includes a view of the whole pelvis so both hips can be compared, plus a closer view of the painful hip. It shows the ball and socket of the hip joint, the joint space and the shape of the bones.
You lie on your back on the X-ray table with your feet turned slightly inwards. A second, side-on view is often taken with your knee bent and leg rolled out (a frog-leg view) or turned across.
Hip X-rays show arthritis clearly. Soft tissue problems such as tendon or bursa pain on the side of the hip are usually looked at with ultrasound, and an MRI may be used if a hidden fracture or cartilage problem is suspected.
Why your doctor might request a hip X-ray
- Hip or groin pain, particularly when walking
- Suspected arthritis and planning for hip replacement
- Checking for a fracture after a fall
- Follow-up after hip replacement surgery
- Hip shape problems such as impingement in younger, active people
Hip X-ray: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your hip X-ray
- No special preparation is needed.
- You may change into a gown; remove belts and clothing with metal zips or studs.
- Tell the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant. This is especially important for pelvic X-rays.
- Bring previous hip imaging if you have it.
How long it takes: About 10–20 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A hip X-ray needs a referral from a GP, specialist or eligible allied health practitioner for a Medicare rebate. Many clinics bulk bill X-rays for eligible patients, and the clinic confirms billing. Booking through Radly sends 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 hip 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.
Hip X-ray FAQs
Why does my hip X-ray include my whole pelvis?
A pelvis view lets the radiologist compare both hips and check the surrounding bones, which helps assess arthritis and alignment.
Will a hip X-ray show bursitis?
No. Bursitis and tendon problems don't show on X-ray. Ultrasound is usually used for pain on the outside of the hip.
Do I need a hip X-ray before seeing a surgeon?
Often, yes. Orthopaedic surgeons usually want a recent hip X-ray, and some ask for weight-bearing views. Check your referral.
How do I book a hip 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 hip 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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