How much does an MRI Cost in Australia?
Are you wondering how much does an MRI Cost in Australia? MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a medical imaging technique used to visualise internal structures of the body in detail. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of organs, tissues, and other structures within the body.
During an MRI scan, the patient lies inside a large, tube-like machine that contains a powerful magnet. Radio waves are then directed at the body, causing the nuclei of certain atoms within the body to emit signals. These signals are picked up by receivers and processed by a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
MRI is commonly used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions, including injuries, tumors, infections, and abnormalities in the brain, spine, joints, and internal organs. It is a versatile imaging tool that provides high-resolution images without using ionizing radiation, making it particularly useful for examining soft tissues and structures.
MRI scans can vary in length depending on the area being examined and the specific protocol used, but they typically last between 30 minutes to an hour or more. It is a safe and non-invasive procedure, although patients may need to remove metal objects or inform the medical staff of any metal implants or devices in their body before undergoing an MRI scan.
If you’re wondering how much does an MRI Cost in Australia? The average MRI Cost in Australia is $375 out of pocket, and no rebate from Medicare if the referral is written by a health professional other than a Surgeon or Specialist. However, suppose a Specialist or Surgeon refers the patient for an MRI Scan, than the cost may be reduced, however the patient will have to pay for the surgeon or specialist appointment as well.
In addition to the above, a GP can request a bulk billed MRI Scan for the following issues. An MRI Scan of the head for unexplained seizure(s) and; unexplained headache where significant pathology is suspected; paranasal sinus pathology which has not responded to conservative therapy. An MRI Scan of the Knee for suspected internal joint derangement(more info below). an MRI Scan of the Spine for significant trauma; unexplained neck or back pain with associated neurological signs; unexplained back pain where significant pathology is suspected. An MRI Scan of the hip for suspected septic arthritis; suspected slipped capital femoral epiphysis; suspected Perthe’s disease. An MRI Scan of the Elbow when fracture or avulsion injury is suspected. An MRI Scan of the wrist when scaphoid fracture is suspected.
So, How Much does an MRI Scan Cost?
The cost of an MRI Scan can vary depending on whether a Surgeon or Specialist refers it. However, in general, the cost of an MRI referred by a health professional is $375 out of pocket with no rebate. Remember that this scan can take up to 30 minutes, and a radiologist needs to review it and write up a detailed report based on what the health professional has asked to see. This is why the cost of an MRI Scan is relatively high.
Can a Physiotherapist Refer for an MRI Scan?
Are you wondering can Physio refer for MRI? Yes a Physiotherapist like those at Evolutio, can refer directly for an MRI Scan at any scanning centre. A Physiotherapist registered in Australia with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has a provider number registered with Medicare that connects their name and qualifications to the Medicare system. When one of our Physiotherapists writes a referral for an MRI Scan, we write down our clinic location and provider number. You will have to pay the full amount for an MRI Scan even with our referral, but it must be noted you can’t have an MRI Scan without a referral from a health professional such as a Physiotherapist. So Yes, a Physiotherapist can Refer for an MRI Scan in Australia.
What is the MRI Cost?
If you’re wondering how much an MRI costs in Melbourne, we work closely with Lumus Imaging on Bridge Road. The cost can vary depending on the MRI. However, for most musculoskeletal joints in the body, following a referral from a health professional, the cost is $375 out of pocket.
Are MRI Scans bulk-billed in Australia?
Unfortunately, MRI Scans are not bulk billed in Australia. However, Acute Knee MRI Scans and those listed above can be bulk billed by a GP if there is enough evidence to suggest the injury could be a Mensicus or ACL Injury. So if you have injured your knee and believe this is possible. We would suggest you book a visit to see a physiotherapist at Evolutio who can refer you to a GP with a letter asking them to write a bulk-billed MRI referral. You will pay the health professional consultation and GP appointment but will be able to save the cost of the MRI.
