Frequently Ask Questions

We cannot perform a medical examination without a referral from an accredited practitioner. A referral must be dated and signed (handwritten or electronic is fine), have patient information and information around the requested test.

In this scenario we have to charge the patient a fee for the service provided. We can provide an invoice and receipt which you can then use to claim through your insurance. It is out of our control how much (if any) your insurance company will reimburse you and we hear stories of full amounts being reimbursed and of nothing being reimbursed. This is largely dependant on your insurance policy whether it be private health, travel or student insurance.

Yes, with one exception. Every patient who holds a valid Medicare card is bulk billed for all Medicare-eligible examinations — X-rays, most ultrasounds, dental imaging, and ultrasound guided injections. Obstetric ultrasounds greater than 12 weeks gestation have an out-of-pocket cost. We will always discuss any fees with you before your examination.

Yes. Please book an appointment so we can allocate the right equipment and staff and ensure you are seen promptly. Same-day appointments are usually available — call us on (03) 7019 3172.

Bulk billing is a Medicare payment arrangement where we bill Medicare directly and accept the Medicare rebate as full payment. You do not pay anything — no upfront cost, no gap payment, no claim to lodge yourself.

GP referrals are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Specialist referrals are valid for 3 months. Check the date on your referral before attending — if it has expired, you will need to return to your doctor for a new one.

Reports are sent to your referring practitioner, not directly to you. Please follow up with your GP or specialist to discuss your results. We can advise when the report has been dispatched if needed.

Usually yes. We make every effort to accommodate same-day bookings. Call us on (03) 7019 3172 and we will do our best to fit you in.

Bring your referral (paper or digital — a photo on your phone is fine), your Medicare card, and any prior imaging or reports relevant to your examination. If you are attending for an ultrasound guided injection, let us know at booking if you are on any blood-thinning medication.

We are open 7 days a week, excluding public holidays. Call us on (03) 7019 3172 to confirm current hours or to make a booking.

An X-ray typically takes 10–20 minutes. An ultrasound is usually 20–45 minutes depending on the area being examined. Dental imaging (OPG, lateral cephalogram) takes around 10–15 minutes. We will give you a time estimate when you book.

No special preparation is needed for most X-rays. You may be asked to remove jewellery, belts, or clothing with metal if they fall within the imaging area. Wear comfortable clothing. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, let us know when you book.

Preparation depends on the type of ultrasound. Abdominal and arterial ultrasounds require 6 hours of fasting — water is fine. Pelvic, obstetric, renal, prostate, and bladder ultrasounds require a full bladder — drink 1 litre of water about an hour before and do not empty your bladder until after the examination. No preparation is needed for musculoskeletal, breast, or thyroid ultrasounds. We will give you specific instructions when you book.

No preparation is required for OPG or lateral cephalogram X-rays. Before the scan, remove any removable dental appliances (dentures, retainers), earrings, facial piercings, glasses, and hair accessories. The same applies for cone beam CT (CBCT).

Yes. We can send reports directly to your referring practitioner via secure electronic messaging. Provide your doctor’s name, practice name, and provider number when you book and we will ensure results go straight to them.

If we find something that requires urgent attention, we will contact your referring practitioner directly and immediately. If you are already aware the situation is urgent, flag this at booking and we will prioritise the report.

We offer X-rays (including full spine and scoliosis studies), diagnostic ultrasounds, obstetric (pregnancy) ultrasounds, dental imaging (OPG, lateral cephalograms, cone beam CT), and ultrasound guided injections for the shoulder, hip, knee, and forefoot.

Yes. We perform obstetric ultrasounds including dating scans, morphology scans, and growth scans. A referral from your GP or obstetrician is required. Please let us know how many weeks you are when booking.

Yes. We image patients of all ages including infants and children. Bring their Medicare card and referral. If you have concerns about radiation exposure, please ask — X-ray doses used for diagnostic imaging are very small and carefully targeted to minimise exposure.

The radiation doses used in standard diagnostic X-rays are very low and considered safe. We follow ALARA principles — the minimum dose needed to produce a diagnostic image. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, let us know when you book so appropriate precautions can be taken.

Yes. Diagnostic ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has a well-established safety record including during pregnancy.

An OPG (orthopantomogram) is a panoramic X-ray that captures the full upper and lower jaw in a single image — all teeth, the jawbone, jaw joints, and sinuses. It is commonly requested by dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons for treatment planning, implants, and orthodontic assessment.

Cone beam CT produces detailed three-dimensional images of teeth, bone, soft tissue, and nerve pathways. It is used for dental implant planning, orthodontic assessment, jaw joint evaluation, and complex dental cases where 2D imaging is not sufficient. Note: CBCT is not currently rebatable under Medicare — a fee applies.

Your dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon, periodontist, or GP can all refer for dental imaging.

An ultrasound guided injection uses real-time ultrasound imaging to precisely guide a needle into the correct location for a cortisone or other therapeutic injection. Ultrasound guidance improves accuracy and reduces discomfort compared to unguided injections. We perform these for the shoulder, hip, knee, and forefoot.

Yes. A referral from your GP or specialist is required. Medicare rebates apply for eligible injections — your referring doctor will advise whether your situation qualifies.

Yes. We perform full spine assessments including scoliosis studies. A referral from your GP or specialist is required.

We are located at 1/61 Brighton Road, Elwood VIC 3184. Street parking is available on Brighton Road and surrounding streets. We are also accessible by public transport — check the PTV journey planner for tram and bus routes to Elwood.

Yes. A photo or PDF of your referral displayed on your phone is accepted.