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A shoulder MRI shows the rotator cuff, labrum, tendons and bones in fine detail. Learn what to expect, how to prepare and how referral and Medicare rules apply.
Also called: MRI shoulder, rotator cuff MRI, labral tear MRI, shoulder MRI arthrogram
Find a clinic for your shoulder MRI
43 clinics offer bulk billing for MRI — eligibility varies
Where to get a shoulder MRI
44 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly offer MRI.
Clinics for a shoulder MRI on Radly
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What is a shoulder MRI?
A shoulder MRI takes detailed pictures of the rotator cuff tendons, the labrum (the cartilage rim of the socket), ligaments, muscles and bone. It helps your doctor understand tears, instability and inflammation that X-ray and sometimes ultrasound can't fully show.
You lie on your back with a coil over your shoulder and your arm by your side. Sometimes an MR arthrogram is requested, where contrast is injected into the joint under imaging guidance before the MRI to show the labrum more clearly.
Why your doctor might request a shoulder MRI
- Suspected rotator cuff tear that may need surgery
- Shoulder dislocation or ongoing instability
- Suspected labral (SLAP) tear
- Persistent shoulder pain not improving with treatment
- Planning before shoulder surgery
Shoulder MRI: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your shoulder MRI
- Complete the metal safety questionnaire and mention implants or previous surgery
- Remove jewellery, watches and anything metallic
- If an MR arthrogram is planned, allow extra time for the joint injection
- Bring previous shoulder X-rays or ultrasound reports if you have them
How long it takes: About 20–30 minutes, or around an hour if an arthrogram is included
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
Shoulder MRI generally needs a specialist referral (for example an orthopaedic surgeon) to attract a Medicare rebate, and the scan must be done on a Medicare-eligible machine. GP-referred shoulder MRI for adults is usually private, though there are broader GP options for children under 16. The clinic will confirm whether your referral is Medicare-eligible. 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 shoulder MRI 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.
Shoulder MRI FAQs
Can a GP refer me for a shoulder MRI under Medicare?
For adults, GP-referred shoulder MRI is generally not Medicare-rebated, so it would be private. A specialist referral may attract a rebate. The clinic will confirm for your referral.
Is ultrasound or MRI better for the shoulder?
Ultrasound is often the first test for rotator cuff problems. MRI gives more detail on the labrum, cartilage and bone and is commonly used before surgery.
What is an MR arthrogram?
It's a shoulder MRI done after contrast is injected into the joint. It shows the labrum and joint lining more clearly and is often requested when instability is suspected.
How do I book a shoulder MRI online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select MRI 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 shoulder MRI?
Appointments for MRI are usually 3 days to 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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