Vcare Radiology provides general X-ray imaging in Epping for a range of diagnostic needs. X-rays use a small amount of ionising radiation to create images of structures inside the body and are commonly used to assess bones, joints, the chest and other areas.
What Is an X-Ray?
A general X-ray, also called a plain X-ray or radiograph, uses X-ray beams to create images of structures inside the body. Different tissues absorb X-rays to different degrees, allowing structures such as bones and the chest to be seen on the resulting image.
General X-rays are commonly used because the examination is usually quick and does not require an incision or other invasive procedure. The images are taken by a radiographer and reviewed by a radiologist, who provides a report to the referring doctor or healthcare practitioner.
What Can an X-Ray Be Used For?
Depending on the referral and the area being examined, general X-rays can provide images of different parts of the body.
Possible applications include:
Bones & Joints
X-rays can help assess fractures, dislocations, and other bone or joint abnormalities.
Chest & Lungs
Chest X-rays may be used to assess the lungs, heart, and surrounding structures as part of a clinical assessment.
Spine
X-rays can be used to examine parts of the spine where imaging has been requested by a healthcare practitioner.
Other Areas of the Body
Depending on the clinical question, an X-ray may be requested for other anatomical areas.
Why Might You Need an X-Ray?
Your doctor or healthcare practitioner may request an X-ray to investigate an injury, pain or other symptoms, or to assess a particular area of the body. X-rays are commonly used as part of the clinical assessment of bone and joint conditions and chest or lung problems.
The type of X-ray you need will depend on your symptoms, medical history and the information your referring practitioner is seeking.
This is preferable to saying that an X-ray will “find the cause” of a problem or “provide an accurate diagnosis” in every case. The examination is one part of the broader clinical assessment.
What to Expect During Your X-Ray
When you arrive, your radiographer will explain the examination and position you appropriately for the images required. Depending on the area being examined, you may be standing, sitting or lying down.
You may be asked to remove jewellery or clothing containing metal and, depending on the examination, change into a gown. It is important to remain still while each image is taken. For some chest or other examinations, you may also be asked to hold your breath briefly.
The radiographer may take more than one image depending on the examination. Additional images do not necessarily indicate a problem; they may simply be needed to obtain the views required for reporting.
How Do I Prepare for an X-Ray?
Most general X-rays do not require any special preparation. However, preparation can vary depending on the examination. If you need specific instructions, Vcare Radiology will provide them when your appointment is arranged.
Before your appointment:
Bring Your Referral
Bring the referral or request from your referring doctor or healthcare practitioner.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined.
Remove Metal Items When Requested
Jewellery, watches, and clothing containing metal may need to be removed because they can affect the images.
Tell the Radiographer if You May Be Pregnant
Inform your radiographer if you are pregnant or think there is a possibility you may be pregnant so appropriate precautions can be considered.
Is an X-Ray Safe?
X-rays use ionising radiation to create images. The amount of radiation used for a plain X-ray is relatively small, and medical X-rays are performed when the expected clinical benefit is considered in relation to the potential risk.
Radiation exposure should be kept as low as reasonably achievable while obtaining the images needed for the examination. Tell your doctor or radiographer if you are pregnant or may be pregnant so they can consider the most appropriate approach.
For patients with concerns about radiation, it is appropriate to discuss these concerns with their doctor or the radiology team.
How Long Does an X-Ray Take?
A plain X-ray is generally a quick examination. The imaging itself may take only a few minutes, although the overall appointment time can vary depending on the area being examined and the number of images required.
Allow some additional time for registration, preparation and positioning before the images are taken.
What Happens After Your X-Ray?
Once your X-ray images have been obtained, they are reviewed by a radiologist who prepares a report for your referring doctor or healthcare practitioner. Your doctor can then discuss the findings with you in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other clinical information.
If additional images are required before the examination is complete, this may simply be to obtain the views needed for reporting.
X-Ray Fees & Medicare
Fees for an X-ray may vary depending on the examination, referral, and Medicare eligibility. Medicare rebates may apply to eligible diagnostic imaging services where the relevant requirements are met.
Vcare Radiology currently promotes bulk billing and asks patients to check the billing arrangements applicable to their examination. Make the final wording on this page consistent with Vcare’s current billing policy.
*Bulk billing may be available for eligible services. Please confirm billing arrangements when booking your appointment.*
Do I Need a Referral for an X-Ray?
A referral or imaging request from a doctor or other authorised healthcare practitioner is generally required for diagnostic imaging. Your referral provides important information about the examination requested and the clinical reason for the imaging.
Vcare’s current appointment process asks patients to upload their referral when requesting an appointment, so this should be reflected in the new website if the booking process remains unchanged.