Online Imaging Request
- Book an online consultation with one of our AHPRA‑registered GPs via video or phone.
- Discuss your symptoms. Describe when your symptoms occurred, any factors that relieve or aggravate them, and any treatments you have already tried.
The GP will then ask questions to assess whether imaging would be useful for your condition. - GP assessment. The GP evaluates your past medical history and present symptoms, looking for any warning signs that indicate a need for urgent face‑to‑face medical attention.
- Imaging request issued. If the doctor determines that imaging is needed, they will send an electronic referral to your email or mobile phone.
- Book your scan. Take the referral to Medicare-accepted radiology clinic in Australia to arrange your appointment. The clinic will contact your GP with the results once the scan is completed.
To be eligible for any scan, your doctor needs to have a thorough clinical assessment. In some urgent or complex cases, in‑person care may be more appropriate and our online GP will let you know.
The type of imaging depends on your symptoms and what the doctor needs to see.
Your GP chooses the test based on your symptoms, medical history and the part of the body that needs examining.
Below is a basic explanation of the four most common imaging tests.
X-ray uses a small amount of radiation that passes through your body.
Dense structures like bone appear white, while softer tissues look grey or black.
X-ray is widely used for fractures (broken bones), chest infections (pneumonia), dental problems, and some joint issues such as osteoarthritis.
CT uses multiple X-ray images taken from different angles, then a computer combines them into cross-sectional “slices” of your body.
This gives a much more detailed view than a standard X-ray.
CT may be used for trauma from accidents, internal bleeding, abdominal pain, cancer detection, and assessing possible stroke.
MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of soft tissues. No radiation is involved.
MRI may be used to examine brain, spinal cord, ligaments, tendons, joints (knee, shoulder), and soft tissue injuries like torn muscles.
Ultrasound uses a small handheld device called a transducer that sends high-frequency sound waves into your body.
The waves bounce off organs and return to the device, creating real-time images on a screen. No radiation is involved.
Ultrasound is commonly used for pregnancy monitoring. Examining organs like liver, kidneys, gallbladder and thyroid or detecting tumours, cysts or abnormal growths.
Doctors request imaging to look inside the body without surgery. Common reasons include:
- Persistent pain in the joints or back that does not get better after treatment
- Symptoms that have continued or worsened for several weeks
- Follow-up after a previous injury or surgery
- A specialist has asked you to arrange imaging through your GP first
- It is the GP’s role, based on your symptoms and medical history, to determine whether imaging is required. Patients are not expected to decide on imaging on their own.
Disclaimer: All imaging requests are issued by AHPRA‑registered GPs following a real‑time telehealth consultation. A doctor must first assess your symptoms to determine whether imaging is clinically appropriate.
Outcomes vary from person to person, and not every consultation will result in an imaging request.
This page provides general information only and does not constitute medical advice.