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Frequently Asked Questions
Some frequently asked questions we hope will answer the questions you have about medical imaging in general.
If you don’t find the information you need, please feel free to contact us.
Appointments
Yes. At South Coast Radiology we require a referral from an authorised referrer before we can book or perform any medical imaging study.
Authorised referrers include specialists, general practitioners, dentists, chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists and podiatrists.
However, no referral is required for 4D ultrasounds, because no Medicare benefit is paid.
South Coast Radiology has been proudly servicing the local community for over 50 years. Since 1967 when radiologist Dr David Jones opened his first practice at 125 Nerang Street, Southport, South Coast Radiology has provided professional and personable care for patients that accompanies our dependable and accurate results for doctors.
South Coast Radiology’s Women’s Imaging Centre is the only dedicated women’s imaging facility on the Gold Coast designed to meet the unique health care needs of women by providing specialised diagnostic imaging services in a caring and comfortable atmosphere, for over 10 years.
Our 17 well-located practices expand conveniently across the Tweed and Gold Coast, as well as servicing patients at our additional regional locations, Darling Downs Radiology and Mackay Radiology, and the first dedicated women’s imaging centre on the Gold Coast in Southport.
Yes. We accept all radiology referral requests, including those for alternate medical imaging providers.
General and dental X-rays do not require an appointment, however to ensure short wait times it is recommended you book prior to arrival.
For all other examinations you are required to schedule an appointment.
Please phone our direct bookings line on 1300 197 297, or request an appointment online.
Please phone our direct bookings line on 1300 197 297, or request an appointment online.
Our friendly staff will schedule a time that suits you and provide further details about your examination, parking, directions and any costs involved.
If you have a South Coast Radiology referral you can find all our practice locations, opening times and phone numbers on the referral, along with the examinations available at each practice.
One of our radiologists will interpret your imaging study and provide your doctor or health professional with a comprehensive report about the findings. You will need to return to your referring practitioner to discuss your results.
Reporting of your images could take up to 24 hours, unless marked urgent. Please allow this time when booking your follow up appointment with your doctor.
If you require your results for a same day follow up appointment, please let our staff know.
Billing
All patients are advised of any fees prior to their examination being performed based on presentation of a doctors referral.
All general and dental X-rays, EOS, and CT scans are bulk-billed for all patients at most South Coast Radiology locations.
Outpatient nuclear medicine examinations are bulk billed at all locations.
If you have a doctor’s referral, a Medicare card, and your examination meets Medicare criteria you will receive a rebate for a percentage of the cost.
A number of our practices can charge Medicare directly resulting in no out-of-pocket costs for the patient.
If you hold a current Government Health Care or Pension Card then you will be bulk-billed for most examinations. All DVA patients with Gold Card entitlements are billed directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
You will be advised of any fees upon time of your booking, and prior to imaging on the day. For more information visit our billing, payment and rebates page.
Australian private health insurance will cover some of the costs if you have radiology tests while an inpatient in a private hospital. Medicare will cover 75% of the Schedule Fee and your private health insurance will refund 25% of the Schedule Fee (MBS) for associated medical costs, such as radiology tests.
For all medical imaging services in a private hospital Accident and Emergency department prior to being admitted as an inpatient, normal outpatient fees apply.
Currently, Australian private health insurers do not pay the gap between the Medicare rebate and what you pay for any outpatient radiology tests. Medicare offers a safety net system to help patients if they need to pay for large amounts over and above the Medicare rebate. This only applies to outpatient services.
Please contact Medicare on 132 011 for more information. For more information visit our billing, payment and rebates page.
If you are not eligible for cover through Medicare you will be charged a fee for services, but you will be given a quote beforehand.
If you have travel insurance, check your policy to see if your medical expenses, such as radiology tests, are covered by that insurance.
For more information visit our billing, payment and rebates page.