Imaging referral assessment online
You can discuss an imaging referral with a Doccio doctor online, but the doctor must first decide whether a scan is appropriate and which type would help. An online request is not an order for any scan you choose. Some symptoms require a physical examination or urgent hospital assessment instead. Your consultation fee covers the assessment, not the scan or a guarantee that Medicare will cover it. Consultation: $59 during business hours or $79 after hours.
What can be discussed
- Whether imaging would help assess a particular symptom or condition.
- An existing recommendation, with the relevant clinical records available.
- The need for follow-up imaging within an established care plan.
- Whether examination, another investigation or specialist assessment should happen first.
- Practical questions about the chosen scan, preparation and follow-up.
How it works
Describe the problem
explain symptoms, timing, injuries and previous assessment.
Share existing records
provide relevant reports and any clinician's recommendation.
Complete the assessment
the doctor decides whether remote information is sufficient to request imaging.
Contact the imaging provider
confirm the request, preparation, fees and result-review arrangements.
What the request should communicate
- The clinical question the imaging is intended to answer.
- The relevant body area and appropriate examination, where supported.
- Important history and information for the radiology team.
- Your details and the requesting clinician's information.
A useful request is based on the problem being investigated, not just the name of a scan.
Imaging choices, safety and Medicare
Different scans answer different questions
X-rays, ultrasound, CT and MRI are not interchangeable. CT uses X-rays, while MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves. The choice depends on the clinical question and safety considerations. See Healthdirect's CT information and MRI guide.
Tell the doctor and imaging provider about pregnancy possibility, implants, relevant allergies and previous reactions. Do not assume that a scan performed safely years ago needs no screening now.
An examination may come first
A new injury, neurological change or severe symptom may need hands-on assessment before the right investigation can be selected. Doccio may recommend an in-person service rather than issue a request based on incomplete information.
Call 000 in an emergency. A routine imaging request is not an appropriate pathway for severe chest pain, stroke-like symptoms or a rapidly deteriorating condition.
A referral does not guarantee a rebate
Imaging providers set their fees. Medicare support depends on the relevant service and requirements, and not every scan requested by every type of practitioner is eligible. MRI in particular has specific rules. Confirm eligibility and out-of-pocket costs with the provider before booking. Services Australia explains imaging charges.
You can generally choose a provider offering the requested examination. The clinician's request and the imaging service remain separate, and a change to the planned scan should be discussed with the appropriate clinical team.
Fees and follow-up
A Doccio imaging-assessment consultation is $59 during business hours or $79 after hours. The scan, contrast where relevant, and external specialist care are not included.
A separately booked Doccio results review uses the same consultation rate. Agree who will receive and act on the report; do not assume a scan completes the assessment by itself. If urgent follow-up is advised, act on that advice rather than waiting for a routine paid review. See pricing.
Start with the clinical question
Book an imaging assessment or discuss whether a specialist referral is the better next step.
AHPRA-registered doctors
Every consult is with an Australian-registered doctor, accountable to the same standards as your local doctor.
Private and secure
Encrypted consults and records. Certificate checks reveal only what an employer needs to confirm.
Transparent pricing
$19, $29, $59 or $79. You see the price before you start and pay nothing if a doctor can't help.
Questions, answered
Imaging referral assessment online
Start online in a few minutes. An Australian doctor reviews your request and gets back to you, usually within the hour.