Book a shoulder ultrasound
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A shoulder ultrasound looks at the rotator cuff tendons, bursa and surrounding soft tissues, and can watch them move in real time.
Also called: Rotator cuff ultrasound, Shoulder scan, MSK shoulder ultrasound, Bursitis ultrasound
Find a clinic for your shoulder ultrasound
102 clinics offer bulk billing for ultrasound — eligibility varies
Where to get a shoulder ultrasound
104 clinics across Australia on Radly offer ultrasound.
Clinics for a shoulder ultrasound on Radly
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What is a shoulder ultrasound?
You sit on a stool while the sonographer scans the front, side and back of your shoulder, asking you to move your arm into different positions. Because the images are live, the scan can show tendons catching or bunching up as you lift your arm (impingement).
Ultrasound is very good for rotator cuff tears, tendon irritation, bursitis and calcium deposits. It does not show the inside of the joint or the labrum well, so your doctor may request an MRI if those are the concern.
Many clinics can also perform an ultrasound-guided injection into the bursa if your doctor has requested one, usually as a separate referral.
Why your doctor might request a shoulder ultrasound
- Shoulder pain, especially lifting the arm overhead
- Suspected rotator cuff tear
- Bursitis or tendinopathy
- Pain after a fall or sports injury
- Planning a guided injection
Shoulder ultrasound: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your shoulder ultrasound
- No fasting needed.
- Wear a singlet or loose top that lets the shoulder be uncovered easily.
- Bring any previous shoulder X-ray or MRI reports.
How long it takes: About 15–30 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A referral from your GP, specialist or, in some cases, physiotherapist is needed. Musculoskeletal ultrasound usually attracts a Medicare rebate with a doctor's referral, and some clinics bulk bill it while others charge a gap. The clinic confirms billing when it accepts your booking request.
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 ultrasound 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 ultrasound FAQs
Ultrasound or MRI for a shoulder injury?
Ultrasound is often first for rotator cuff and bursa problems. MRI is preferred for dislocations, labral tears or when surgery is being planned.
Can a shoulder ultrasound show a rotator cuff tear?
Yes. Ultrasound is reliable for showing full and partial thickness rotator cuff tears.
Will the scan hurt?
Moving a sore shoulder can be uncomfortable, but the sonographer will work within what you can manage.
How do I book a shoulder ultrasound online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Ultrasound 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 ultrasound?
Appointments for ultrasound are usually 1–3 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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Helpful guides
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