- Referral
Radiology Referrals at Vcare
Radiology Referrals at Vcare
A referral helps our radiology team understand which imaging examination has been requested and why it is needed. Find out what to bring, how to submit your referral, and what to know before booking your appointment at Vcare Radiology.
- Your Appointment
What Is a Radiology Referral?
What Is a Radiology Referral?
A radiology referral, sometimes called an imaging request, is provided by a doctor or other authorised healthcare practitioner. It outlines the requested examination and includes clinical information relevant to your imaging appointment.
Your referral helps the radiology team determine the appropriate examination and provides the information needed for the imaging process. A referral can also be important when determining whether Medicare or other funding arrangements apply.
- Before You Book
Do I Need a Referral for My Scan?
A referral is generally required for diagnostic imaging. Your doctor or healthcare practitioner will advise which examination is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, and the clinical question being investigated.
A referral is also important where you are seeking a Medicare benefit for eligible diagnostic imaging services.
- Your Referral
What Information Is on a Referral?
Your referral should provide enough information for the requested imaging examination to be understood and arranged appropriately.
Depending on the referral and examination, it may include:
Patient Details
Your name and other identifying information.
Requested Examination
The type of imaging your healthcare practitioner has requested.
Clinical Information
Relevant symptoms, history or the reason for the examination.
Referrer Details
The name and relevant details of the doctor or healthcare practitioner making the referral.
Date of Referral
The date the referral was issued.
Healthdirect explains that referral documentation should include up-to-date health information, the date, the reason for referral, and the referrer’s details.
- Before You Visit
Check Your Referral Before You Attend
Before your appointment, make sure your referral is current and relates to the examination you are attending. Bring the referral with you if requested, along with your Medicare or relevant healthcare card.
If you have been referred for a specific examination, check the relevant preparation instructions before your appointment.
- Medicare & Billing
Why Your Referral Matters for Billing
A referral can be important when determining whether a Medicare benefit applies to eligible diagnostic imaging services. Billing arrangements depend on the examination, referral, and your individual circumstances.
For information about Vcare’s billing arrangements, including bulk billing and possible out-of-pocket costs, please see our Fees & Billing page.
- For Healthcare Professionals
Referring a Patient to Vcare?
We provide information and resources to help GPs and other healthcare professionals refer patients for diagnostic imaging at Vcare Radiology.
- Referral FAQs
Common Questions About Referrals
Do I need a referral for a radiology scan?
A referral is generally required for diagnostic imaging and is important where Medicare or private health insurance contributions apply.
Who can provide a referral?
Referrals can be made by appropriately authorised healthcare professionals. Healthdirect provides information on the range of health professionals who may make referrals.
What if I don't have my referral yet?
Contact your referring doctor or healthcare practitioner to obtain the referral before arranging your imaging appointment.
Can I choose which radiology clinic I attend?
You can choose a diagnostic imaging practice even when your referral is on a form naming another service provider. Healthdirect notes that patients can choose their diagnostic imaging practice.
This is a particularly useful FAQ for Vcare because patients may assume they must attend the provider named on the referral.
Can I use an old referral?
This depends on the referral and applicable requirements. Contact Vcare Radiology if you are unsure whether your referral can be used.
That is safer than publishing a fixed validity period without Vcare confirming it.
What if I am unsure which examination is on my referral?
Contact your referring healthcare practitioner or Vcare Radiology before booking so the requested examination can be clarified.
- Submit Your Referral
Have Your Referral Ready
When requesting an appointment online, have a clear copy of your referral available. Vcare’s current appointment process asks patients to upload their referral when submitting an appointment request.
By Phone
Prefer to speak with our team? Contact Vcare Radiology to discuss your referral and appointment requirements.