Getting an X-Ray or Ultrasound in Gympie: What to Know Before You Go

Being told you need a scan can bring up a lot of questions. Where do I go? Do I need to book? Will I wait ages for the results? Is it going to cost me?

If you’re in Gympie, Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach or the Mary Valley, the good news is you may not have to travel far. Our clinic has radiology on site through a local imaging partner, so a lot of common scans can be done in the same place you see your GP. Here’s how it all works.

What scans can you get here?

We offer:

• X-ray (general radiography)
• Ultrasound (general, musculoskeletal and obstetric)
• DEXA bone density scans
• ECG, done on site and reported the next day

X-rays are often the first thing a doctor orders after a fall, a twisted ankle or a stubborn cough. Ultrasounds cover everything from a sore shoulder to a pregnancy scan. A DEXA scan checks your bone density, which is useful if your doctor is looking at your risk of osteoporosis.

Do I need a referral?

Yes. X-rays, ultrasounds and bone density scans all need a referral from a doctor.

If you’ve seen one of our GPs and they decide you need a scan, they’ll send the referral straight through to radiology, so there’s nothing extra for you to chase up. If you’ve been referred by another doctor or a midwife, bring the referral with you if it’s a paper one.

You can see our GPs through family medicine appointments, or in the evening and on weekends through our after-hours GP service. That’s handy if you hurt yourself on a Saturday and want to know whether something is broken.

How do I book my scan?

Once you have your referral, call us on (07) 2140 4888 and our reception team will find a time. Urgent scans are seen the same day when possible.

Can you just walk in for an X-ray? It’s better to call first. That way we can check your referral and fit you in properly, rather than have you sit and wait.

Do I need to prepare?

Sometimes. Some ultrasounds, for example, need preparation beforehand. Reception will tell you exactly what to do when you book, so you don’t have to guess. If you’re unsure, just ask when you call.

What should I bring?

• Your referral, if it’s a paper one
• Your Medicare card
• Any earlier scans of the same area, if they were done somewhere else

That last one is easy to overlook. If you’ve had an X-ray or ultrasound of the same spot at another clinic before, bringing it helps the radiologist compare the two and see what has changed.

Is it bulk billed?

Scans are bulk billed with a valid Medicare referral. DVA and Workers’ Compensation are also accepted. If you’d like to be seen at private or NDIS rates, ask us when you book.

If your scan is part of a work injury, our WorkCover page explains how claims are handled at the clinic.

How long do results take?

Standard reports are ready within 24 hours. Urgent scans are prioritised and can be done the same day.

Your results go to the doctor who referred you, not straight to you. So once the scan is done, book a follow-up with your doctor to go through what it shows. That can be in person, or by telehealth if that’s easier for you.

What about pregnancy ultrasounds?

Yes, obstetric ultrasound is one of the scans we offer. Your doctor or midwife will need to refer you first. If you’re expecting, our women’s health team can also help with the care around your pregnancy.

Handy things to know

• Got a scan result and need medication afterwards? Our on-site pharmacy can fill your script.
• Unsure which doctor to see? Have a look at our team page.
• Want to see everything else we offer? Our services page has the full list.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm. Public holidays vary, so call to confirm.

For referring doctors

If you’re a GP or specialist, we accept referrals through Medical Objects and Healthlink (GYMPCARE), by fax on (07) 3740 1237, or using our standing referral template. Contact us for access to the template. Our contact page has all the details.

Ready to book?

We’re at Shop 5-6, 30 Excelsior Road, Gympie. Once you have your referral, call (07) 2140 4888 and we’ll sort out a time that suits you.