Medical imaging in Southern NSW

About our services

Medical imaging is a crucial part of healthcare, creating high-quality images to diagnose injuries or diseases. It's important for patient care, guiding diagnoses and treatments.

Medical imaging uses ionising and non-ionising radiation and high-tech equipment called modalities. Common ones include General X-Ray, Ultrasound, Computed tomography (CT), Mammography, Orthopantomogram (OPG), Fluoroscopy, and Interventional radiology.

How our service helps you

Our service at Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) uses networked and digital imaging. It gives your doctor a report on your medical image, helping with your care.

You don't need to be in the hospital to use medical imaging. Outpatient X-rays and other services are at most hospitals. We bulk bill, so there's no cost for Medicare-funded services. Just get a referral from your GP, doctor, or healthcare provider.

Medical imaging technologies

Medical imaging services are usually simple, fast, and affordable. They help your healthcare provider decide on the best treatment or diagnosis. Most procedures referred by doctors can be billed to Medicare, meaning there might be no cost for the patient.

If you're pregnant, let your healthcare provider and the radiographer know before your procedure.

These procedures are generally safe for patients who need them. Learn more about radiation risks.

X-ray

Radiography involves creating images of body parts using x-rays, a type of radiation that can penetrate some tissues more than others. This helps create images of internal body parts.

Computed Tomography (CT scan)

In computed tomography (CT scan), a computer turns x-rays into 2 or 3 dimensional images of body parts.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy also uses x-rays to create images of body parts, including moving images. It can be used, for example, to observe swallowing. Barium may be used to enhance the images in studies like barium swallows and barium enemas.

Interventional services

These services, performed by a specialised medical officer called a Radiologist, use imaging techniques like CT scans or ultrasound scans to see inside your body during the procedure. Interventional procedures may include injections or biopsies.

Mammography

Mammography creates images of the internal structure of breast tissue using x-rays. It's used to visualise lumps or sore spots and for early detection of breast issues, including cancer.

Ultrasound

Sonography creates images of body parts using sound waves, commonly used to examine unborn babies. Ultrasound scans don't use ionising radiation and are considered safe.

Orthopantomogram (OPG) - dental x-ray

Dental x-rays help dentists, orthodontists, or other oral healthcare providers determine the best treatment. Referred dental x-rays can be billed to Medicare, with no out-of-pocket expense for the patient.