What Happens During a Diagnostic Imaging Appointment?
From checking in and reviewing your referral to having your scan and receiving your report, understanding what happens during a diagnostic imaging appointment can make the experience feel more familiar and straightforward.
A diagnostic imaging appointment usually involves checking in, confirming your referral and relevant details, completing any required preparation, having the examination performed by an appropriately trained imaging professional, and then having the images reviewed and reported by a radiologist when applicable. The exact process depends on the type of imaging examination you have been referred for.
What Happens During a Diagnostic Imaging Appointment?
Most diagnostic imaging appointments follow a straightforward process, although the details vary depending on the examination. Your healthcare provider may refer you for imaging to help investigate symptoms, assess an injury, monitor a known condition or answer a specific clinical question.
1. Check In
When you arrive, the reception team will confirm your appointment and relevant information.
2. Referral Review
Your referral provides important clinical information about why the examination has been requested.
3. Preparation
Some examinations require preparation, while others require little or no preparation. Follow the instructions provided by your imaging provider.
4. The Examination
A trained imaging professional performs the examination and positions you appropriately to obtain the required images.
5. Image Review
The images are reviewed as part of the reporting process, with the appropriate findings communicated to your referring healthcare professional.
6. Follow-Up
Your referring doctor or healthcare professional can discuss your results and explain whether any further assessment is recommended.
What Is a Diagnostic Imaging Appointment?
Diagnostic imaging refers to medical examinations that create images of structures inside the body. Depending on the clinical question, your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional may refer you for an examination such as an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan or DEXA scan.
The purpose of the examination is to provide additional information that can support your healthcare professional's assessment. Imaging is not interpreted in isolation; your symptoms, medical history, examination findings and referral information can all be relevant to the reporting process.
In Australia, referral requirements can vary according to the examination and circumstances. Your imaging provider can advise you about what is required for your appointment.
If you are unsure what your appointment involves, contact the imaging provider before your visit. Asking about preparation, documents, timing or other practical requirements can help you arrive prepared.
What Happens Before Your Imaging Appointment?
Before your appointment, your healthcare provider will generally determine whether imaging is appropriate and what type of examination is relevant to your clinical situation.
1. You Receive a Referral
A referral usually explains the reason for the examination and provides clinical information that can help the imaging team understand what has been requested.
Healthdirect notes that referrals for radiology may be made by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals and generally include information such as the reason for the referral and relevant patient details.
2. You Book the Appointment
Once you have your referral, you can arrange an appointment with an imaging provider. Depending on the service, appointments may be arranged online or by contacting the clinic.
CareWell Diagnostix provides diagnostic imaging services for patients in Tarneit and surrounding Melbourne West communities. Its current website provides online appointment information and lists its Tarneit location at 205 Bethany Road, Tarneit.
3. You Receive Preparation Instructions
Preparation depends on the examination. Some scans may require fasting, drinking water, having a comfortably full bladder or following other specific instructions.
Not every examination requires preparation. Always follow the instructions given for your particular appointment rather than relying on preparation advice intended for a different type of scan.
What Should You Bring to a Diagnostic Imaging Appointment?
Having your important information ready can help your appointment run smoothly.
Your Referral
Bring your referral or ensure the imaging provider has received the required referral information.
Medicare or Private Health Details
Bring your relevant Medicare or private health information if applicable to your appointment.
Previous Imaging
If requested or available, previous imaging reports or relevant comparison images may provide useful clinical context.
Relevant Health Information
Tell the imaging team about information they need to know, particularly if your preparation or examination may be affected by your circumstances.
If you are attending CareWell Diagnostix, you can review the clinic's diagnostic imaging booking guide for additional information about referrals, booking and preparation.
What Happens When You Arrive?
When you arrive at the imaging centre, you will generally check in with reception. The team may confirm your personal details, appointment information and referral.
Depending on the examination, you may also be asked questions that are relevant to your imaging procedure or preparation.
If you have concerns about your examination, preparation or any instructions you have received, this is a good time to ask the imaging team for clarification.
The imaging team will provide instructions relevant to the examination you are having. If you are uncertain about something, ask before the examination begins.
What Happens During the Imaging Examination?
The actual examination varies considerably depending on the type of diagnostic imaging you have been referred for.
| Examination | What You May Experience |
|---|---|
| X-Ray | You may be positioned in different ways so the required images can be taken. You may be asked to remain still or briefly hold your breath for certain images. |
| Ultrasound | A handheld ultrasound probe is moved over the relevant area of your body, usually with ultrasound gel applied to the skin. |
| CT Scan | You generally lie on a table that moves through the CT scanner while images are acquired. Some CT examinations may involve contrast material when clinically appropriate. |
| DEXA Scan | You lie on the scanning table while the equipment measures bone mineral density, commonly at areas such as the hip and lower spine. |
The exact procedure, positioning, preparation and duration depend on the examination requested and your individual circumstances.
What Happens During an X-Ray?
A general X-ray uses a small amount of ionising radiation to create images of structures inside the body. X-rays are commonly used to assess bones and joints and can also be used for other clinical indications.
During the examination, the radiographer may position you or the relevant body part in a particular way. You may need to remain still for the image to be captured clearly.
Most general X-ray examinations are relatively quick, although the total appointment time can vary.
You can learn more about CareWell's General X-Ray service before your appointment.
What Happens During an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of structures within the body. It does not use ionising radiation.
During an ultrasound examination, a sonographer or other appropriately trained professional applies gel to the relevant area and moves a handheld probe across the skin to obtain images.
Depending on the type of ultrasound, you may be asked to change position or follow specific preparation instructions.
CareWell provides a range of ultrasound examinations. Visit the CareWell Ultrasound service page for more information.
What Happens During a CT Scan?
A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. During the scan, you generally lie on a table that moves through the circular opening of the CT scanner.
Some CT examinations may require contrast material. If contrast is required, the imaging team will provide information about the relevant preparation and procedure.
Healthdirect explains that CT scans can produce detailed images from different angles and that a referral from a doctor is required before booking a CT scan.
If you have been referred for CT imaging, you can review CareWell's CT Scan information for further details.
What Happens During a DEXA Bone Density Scan?
A DEXA, or DXA, scan measures bone mineral density and may be recommended when your healthcare professional wants to assess bone health.
During a DEXA examination, you generally lie on a scanning table while the equipment measures bone density at selected areas of the body.
Preparation requirements are generally straightforward, but you should follow the specific instructions provided by your imaging provider.
You can find more information about DEXA Bone Density Scans at CareWell Diagnostix .
What Happens During Liver Elastography?
Liver elastography, including FibroScan, uses specialised technology to assess liver stiffness. Your healthcare provider may recommend this examination as part of an assessment of liver health.
The examination is non-invasive and involves placing the appropriate probe against the skin over the liver area to obtain measurements.
The exact preparation and appointment requirements can vary, so follow the instructions provided when your examination is booked.
Learn more about Liver Elastography at CareWell Diagnostix .
What Happens After Your Scan?
Once the examination is complete, the imaging professional checks that the required images have been obtained. In some circumstances, additional images may be needed.
Your images are then reviewed as part of the reporting process. A radiologist may interpret the images and prepare a report for your referring healthcare professional.
The report is generally sent to the healthcare professional who referred you. Your doctor or specialist can then discuss the findings with you in the context of your symptoms, medical history and other test results.
The imaging centre may not be the right place to explain what your results mean for your overall health. Your referring healthcare professional is best placed to discuss the findings and recommended next steps with you.
How Long Does a Diagnostic Imaging Appointment Take?
There is no single appointment length for all diagnostic imaging examinations.
A simple X-ray may be relatively quick, while an ultrasound, CT, DEXA scan or procedure may take longer depending on the examination and preparation required.
Your total appointment time can include registration, preparation, the examination itself and any necessary post-examination steps.
If you need to plan your day around an appointment, ask the imaging provider how long you should allow for your specific examination.
Does Every Diagnostic Imaging Appointment Follow the Same Process?
No. The general appointment journey may be similar, but the examination itself can be very different.
Type of Imaging
X-ray, ultrasound, CT and DEXA use different technologies and have different procedures.
Reason for Referral
The clinical question can determine what area is examined and what images are required.
Preparation
Some examinations require specific preparation, while others involve little preparation.
Individual Circumstances
Your medical history, symptoms and other circumstances may affect how your appointment is performed.
Questions to Ask Before Your Imaging Appointment
If you are unsure about your appointment, consider asking:
- Do I need a referral for this examination?
- Do I need to fast or follow any other preparation instructions?
- How long should I allow for the appointment?
- Should I bring previous imaging reports or scans?
- Can I take my usual medications?
- What should I wear?
- When should I expect the report to be available to my referring healthcare professional?
If you are unsure about any preparation requirement, contact the imaging provider before attending rather than guessing.
Diagnostic Imaging at CareWell Diagnostix
CareWell Diagnostix provides diagnostic imaging services for patients in Tarneit and Melbourne's West.
Depending on your referral and clinical needs, available services include:
Ultrasound
Imaging using sound waves to produce real-time images of selected body structures.
Explore UltrasoundLiver Elastography
Non-invasive assessment of liver stiffness using specialised ultrasound technology.
Explore Liver ElastographyUltrasound-Guided Procedures
Selected procedures can be performed with real-time ultrasound guidance when clinically appropriate.
Explore Guided ProceduresDiagnostic Imaging in Tarneit and Melbourne West
If you have been referred for diagnostic imaging and live in or around Tarneit, you may prefer an imaging provider that is convenient for your local area.
CareWell Diagnostix is located at 205 Bethany Road, Tarneit VIC 3029 and supports patients from Tarneit and surrounding Melbourne West communities, including Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Truganina, Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes and Williams Landing.
The most appropriate imaging examination depends on your clinical circumstances and referral. If you have already been referred, the CareWell team can provide information about the relevant appointment process and preparation requirements.
Related CareWell Patient Guides
How to Book Diagnostic Imaging in Tarneit & Melbourne West
Learn about referrals, booking, preparation and what to bring to your imaging appointment.
Read the Patient GuideHow Long Does a Diagnostic Imaging Appointment Take?
Explore the factors that can affect the duration of different imaging examinations.
Related article coming soon.What Questions Should You Ask Before Medical Imaging?
Practical questions that may help you feel prepared before your examination.
Related article coming soon.Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a diagnostic imaging appointment?
Most appointments involve checking in, confirming your referral and relevant details, completing any required preparation, having the imaging examination performed and then having the images reviewed and reported as appropriate. The exact process depends on the examination.
Do I need a referral for diagnostic imaging in Australia?
Many diagnostic imaging examinations require a referral. Requirements can vary according to the examination and individual circumstances, so check with your healthcare provider or imaging centre.
What should I bring to a medical imaging appointment?
You may need your referral, Medicare or private health information where applicable, identification and relevant previous imaging or reports. Your imaging provider can tell you exactly what is required.
Do all diagnostic imaging tests require preparation?
No. Preparation depends on the type of examination. Some scans may require fasting, drinking water or other instructions, while others require little preparation.
What happens during an ultrasound?
An ultrasound examination generally involves applying gel to the relevant area and moving a handheld probe over the skin to obtain images. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation.
What happens during a CT scan?
You generally lie on a table that moves through the CT scanner while X-ray images are acquired. Some examinations may involve contrast material when clinically appropriate.
Is an X-ray appointment quick?
Many general X-ray examinations are relatively quick, but appointment duration varies depending on the examination and the number of images required.
What happens after my scan?
The imaging team checks the images obtained during your examination. The images are then reviewed as part of the reporting process, and the report is generally provided to your referring healthcare professional.
Will the radiologist explain my results to me?
The radiologist prepares the imaging report, which is generally sent to your referring healthcare professional. Your GP or specialist can explain the findings in the context of your symptoms and overall health.
Can I ask questions before my imaging appointment?
Yes. If you are unsure about preparation, timing, what to bring or what to expect, contact your imaging provider before your appointment.
Where is CareWell Diagnostix located?
CareWell Diagnostix has a clinic at 205 Bethany Road, Tarneit VIC 3029. The centre supports patients from Tarneit and surrounding Melbourne West communities.
What imaging services are available at CareWell Diagnostix?
CareWell Diagnostix currently provides services including CT, ultrasound, general X-ray, DEXA bone density scanning, liver elastography and selected ultrasound-guided procedures. Availability depends on the service and appointment requirements.
Key Takeaways
- A diagnostic imaging appointment usually begins with check-in and confirmation of your referral and details.
- Preparation varies according to the type of imaging examination.
- X-ray, ultrasound, CT and DEXA examinations involve different procedures and technologies.
- The imaging professional performing your examination will guide you through positioning and other instructions.
- Images are reviewed and reported as appropriate, with the report generally provided to your referring healthcare professional.
- Your GP or specialist can explain your results and discuss any recommended next steps.
Need to Prepare for Your Diagnostic Imaging Appointment?
If you have been referred for diagnostic imaging, CareWell Diagnostix can provide information about available examinations, appointment requirements and preparation.
Located in Tarneit, CareWell supports patients from across Melbourne West and surrounding communities.
Make an AppointmentThis article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. The appropriate imaging examination and any preparation requirements depend on your individual circumstances and clinical needs. Always follow the instructions provided by your referring healthcare professional and imaging provider.