Our fees reflect the service, training and dedication of our professional staff and are in line with that seen in other leading radiology practices that provide the latest technology and state of the art equipment. Complex and expensive equipment is required to provide an accurate diagnosis and an effective modern radiology practice.
When you are charged for medical treatment, and it costs more than what you get back from Medicare, that cost is called the gap. It's also known as an 'out of pocket' expense.
Fees vary between different types of tests and an out of pocket expense, known as "the gap", will be charged to private patients. Should the nature of your test alter at the time of the study (for example, an incorrect test is ordered or further treatment has been required that could not have been anticipated at the time of booking) then this may alter the cost of the test and therefore the gap fee that you will be required to pay.
Gap or out of pocket fees vary between the tests and types of injections ordered as well as category that patients belong to (whether concessional or private). It is best that you discuss the expected cost of your visit with our reception staff at the time of your booking. Please have your referral with you at the time of booking.
All accounts are expected to be settled on the day that service is provided by Melbourne Radiology Clinic.
Bulk-Billing, that is to say, no “out of pocket” or “no gap” examinations are available for:
- Pensioner Concession Card Holders
- Health Care Card Holders
- DVA Gold / White Card Holders
- Full Time University Students.
For patients listed in the above categories only, the following radiology services including the following diagnostic scans and interventional procedures will be bulk-billed:
- CT scan
- X-ray
- Ultrasound scan*
[*Excluding pregnancy scans]
MRI Scans - Medicare eligible only^
[^Please refer to information specific to MRI Scans below]
Ultrasound guided procedures/injections (including but not limited to, biopsy, fine needle aspiration (FNA) & drainage) will be charged at a reduced out of pocket (”gap”) fee for patients who are Pensioners, Health Care Card Holders and Full Time University Students.
CT guided procedures/injections (including but not limited to, biopsy, fine needle aspiration (FNA) & drainage) will be charged at a reduced out of pocket (”gap”) fee for patients who are Pensioners, Health Care Card Holders and Full Time University Students.
Patients must have a valid Medicare card with them at the time of their appointment.
No. As legislation currently stands, private health insurance can only be used for radiological services that take place during an inpatient hospital stay (meaning, the patient has to be admitted). Melbourne Radiology Clinic is a “walk in – walk out” ambulatory clinic and as patients do not stay overnight (that is, they are not inpatients), then the fees incurred fall under the Medicare billing system and are therefore not covered by private health insurance.
Currently, the only MRI examinations that will be bulk billed [ie no “out-of-pocket” expense] at Melbourne Radiology Clinic are those that meet all of the criteria for Medicare expansion of MRI services to the public.
GP Referred, Medicare Eligible ADULT MRI services bulk billed at Melbourne Radiology Clinic.
(^Adult patients aged 16 to 49 years only for Knee MRI)
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For additional information please read:
GP Referred MRI Scans - Adult
GPs are able to request 6 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Medicare services for patients under 16 years of age.
GP Referred, Medicare Eligible PAEDIATRIC MRI services bulk billed at Melbourne Radiology Clinic.
(*a previous radiographic examination must have been performed)
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For additional information please read:
GP Referred MRI Scans - Paediatric
Many MRI scans conducted at MRC are not reimbursed by the government. The Department of Health and Ageing decides which MRI scans are able to be funded by Medicare. Patients not meeting the criteria outlined above (under “MRI Bulk-Billing”) are unable to have their MRI expenses claimed from Medicare or any private health fund, so patients are liable for the entire expense of the MRI examination.
Patients referred by TAC, Workcover and Veteran Affairs are usually covered with a pre-certification approval provided by these third party insurers which is then provided to Melbourne Radiology Clinic.
The CT scan cost in Australia that Medicare will pay for will depend on where you are treated, and the reason for the referral.
Medicare will cover 80% of diagnostic non-lab tests that your healthcare provider deems necessary performed in a doctor’s office or a non-hospital testing facility, up to the Medicare-approved amount. In a hospital outpatient setting, you typically pay a copay.
MRI and CT scans both provide detailed cross-section images, but between the two, MRI scans are typically more costly. This is because the equipment is more expensive to buy, operate and maintain. Your physician will recommend whether you need an MRI or a CT scan based on your health needs.
A CT scan is a safe and painless test. At the very least, patients who may receive an injection of intravenous (IV) contrast dye may experience a warm sensation, urge to urinate or metallic taste. As contrast dye contains iodine, it may trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Be sure to inform your physician or technologist if you have had a reaction to contrast material in the past.
Most side effects of a CT scan come from allergic reactions to the IV or contrast dye if there is any used for your test. However, while the exam is a relatively safe procedure, it still exposes you to ionizing radiation, which may slightly increase the risk of birth defects (for pregnant women) and cancer, with every CT scan taken over time. This radiation can also be more harmful for children.
The ultrasound cost in Melbourne varies, depending on what type of scan it is and your chosen provider, as well as whether the procedure is covered by Medicare.
Additionally, providers can set their own fees. Before getting an ultrasound, check with your healthcare professional for the costs and whether you are eligible for a Medicare rebate.
Both 3D and 4D ultrasounds provide three-dimensional images of the fetus, revealing more structural and internal details from various angles. However, their main difference is that a 4D ultrasound is a 3D ultrasound in live motion; that is, it allows physicians to add a live stream video of the baby's images.
We accept all major credit cards and cash and also provide EFTPOS facilities at our practice.
Please note that we do not accept personal cheques.
Patients who experience severe financial difficulty may ask to discuss their individual situation with our practice manager.
*Whilst every effort is made to keep our website up to date, please note that the above policies may change (often in line with changes introduced by Medicare). Prospective patients should always defer to the out of pocket cost quoted with our reception staff as being the most accurate in relation to their specific needs. As such, the cost quoted prevails over the information provided on our website.
Melbourne Radiology Clinic provides ‘Direct Billing’ (No out of pocket expense) for international students with current ALLIANZ, MEDIBANK, AHM or NIB overseas student health cover (OSHC) only. These students will be billed directly online to their OSHC provider for all eligible examinations* including imaging and interventional procedures. (*excludes pregnancy)
To access Direct Billing please make sure you bring your current membership card with you.
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For additional information please read:
Student Health – Medical Imaging
Full-time University Students and International Students with OSHC.