What to Expect & Preparing for Your Visit
We know that having a medical scan can sometimes feel daunting.
At Core Radiology, we want you to feel completely comfortable, informed, and prepared from the moment you book your appointment to the moment you leave our clinic.
Our radiographers and sonographers will bring you into the examination room and talk you through exactly what is going to happen. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you need. We utilise state-of-the-art, ultra-low-dose technology to ensure the process is as quick and comfortable as possible.
Gentle, Expert Care
No matter what type of scan you are having, please arrive a few minutes early to get checked in, and remember to bring:
Your valid doctor's referral (we accept all referral forms, even from other clinics)
Your Medicare card, plus any valid Concession, Pension, or DVA cards
Any previous X-rays or scans related to the area we are examining
WorkCover or Motor Vehicle Accident claim details (if applicable)
What to Bring on the Day
How to Prepare for Your Specific Scan
Every examination is a little different. While our friendly front desk team will provide you with exact, personalised instructions when you book, here is a general guide to how you can prepare for the services we offer.
Preparation: No preparation is required.
What to expect: No appointment is needed for these services! Simply walk in with your referral. You may be asked to remove jewellery or clothing with metal zippers/buttons near the area being imaged.
General X-Ray & Dental (inc OPG)
Preparation: Depending on what your doctor has requested, you may be asked to fast for a few hours before your scan.
What to expect: You will lie on a comfortable bed that slowly moves through a wide, open ring. For some CT scans, we may need to administer a contrast dye (usually via a small injection in your arm) to help highlight certain tissues.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
Preparation: Preparation varies heavily depending on the area being scanned. For a pelvic or early pregnancy ultrasound, you will likely need a full bladder (drinking water beforehand). For an abdominal ultrasound, you may be asked to fast. Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasounds generally require no prep.
What to expect: Our highly experienced sonographers will apply a warm water-based gel to the skin and gently glide a small camera over the area.
Ultrasound & Pregnancy Imaging
Interventional Procedures & Guided Biopsies
Preparation: When booking, you must inform our team if you are taking any blood thinners (like Warfarin or Aspirin) or if you are diabetic, as we may need to adjust your medication schedule.
What to expect: These procedures are performed with the utmost care by our specialist medical team. Depending on the procedure, we may require you to have someone drive you home afterward.
Preparation: When booking, you must inform our team if you are taking any blood thinners (like Warfarin or Aspirin) or if you are diabetic, as we may need to adjust your medication schedule.
What to expect: These procedures are performed with the utmost care by our specialist medical team. Depending on the procedure, we may require you to have someone drive you home afterward.
Interventional Procedures - Osteoarthritis Injections
Preparation: Because an MRI uses a very strong magnet, safety is our top priority. You will be asked to complete a detailed safety questionnaire. Please let our team know immediately if you have a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or any metallic implants.
What to expect: You will lie still inside a brightly lit, open-ended tunnel. The machine can be quite noisy, so we will provide you with headphones to listen to music and keep you comfortable.
MRI
Preparation: No fasting or special preparation is required. You will simply be asked to remove any metal items around your chest (such as necklaces, metal buttons, or underwire bras), as metal can interfere with the clear images we need.
What to expect: You will lie flat on a comfortable bed that glides through a wide, open-lit ring. The machine is very fast—our radiographer will simply ask you to hold your breath for about 5 to 10 seconds while the images are taken, and the entire process is completely painless.
NATIONAL LUNG CANCER SCREENING (Low-Dose CT)
Preparation: Please avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan. Wear loose, comfortable clothing free of metal (such as underwire bras, zippers or metal buttons). If you've recently had a CT scan with contrast, a barium study or a nuclear medicine scan, please let us know when booking, as your DEXA may need to be scheduled at a later date. Please also inform our staff if you are or may be pregnant.
What to expect: This is a quick, painless scan taking around 10–20 minutes. You'll simply lie flat on a padded table while an imaging arm passes gently over your body.
Bone Density (Inc DEXA)
Once your imaging is complete, you are free to go about your day. Our specialist Radiologist will carefully analyse your images and generate a comprehensive diagnostic report.
To ensure a seamless healthcare journey, we send your high-quality images and detailed report directly and securely to your referring doctor. We always recommend booking a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss your results and the next steps in your care.
After Your Scan: Getting Your Results
Important Information for your Appointment
The information provided on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. While we are experts in diagnostic imaging, your referring doctor is the expert on your overall health. We always recommend speaking with your doctor before proceeding with any medical scan or procedure to ensure it is the right diagnostic path for you, and to discuss any specific aftercare requirements.
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To ensure a smooth and easy check-in, please remember to bring:
Your valid doctor’s referral
Your Medicare card, plus any Concession, Pension, or DVA cards
Any previous X-rays or scans relating to the area we are examining
WorkCover or Motor Vehicle Accident claim details (if applicable)
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Any Referral is Valid: You have the right to choose your imaging provider. We proudly accept all valid referrals, even if they are printed on another clinic’s form or letterhead.
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We proudly offer bulk billing on a wide range of Medicare-eligible examinations for eligible patients, including pensioners and health care card holders. Some patients and some highly specialised scans or interventional procedures will incur an out-of-pocket fee.
Because billing depends on both your referral and your individual circumstances, we encourage you to contact our team before your visit or simply ask our reception staff on the day. We'll always provide a transparent fee estimate based on your specific referral, so there are never any financial surprises.
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Once your scan is complete, our specialist Radiologist will carefully analyse your images. Using our secure, state-of-the-art digital systems, we ensure your comprehensive report and high-resolution images are sent directly and rapidly to your referring doctor.
We always recommend booking a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss your results and the next steps in your care.
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We understand that navigating healthcare can be challenging, and some patients require a little extra support.
If you experience medical anxiety, have mobility challenges, or simply need more time and space to understand your procedure, please let us know.
Our compassionate team is highly experienced in supporting complex needs and will adapt your visit to ensure you feel completely safe and understood.
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Our South Australian team is here to help you find an appointment time that works for your life.
Call Us to Book: 1300 937 226
Get in Touch
We are here to help.
Whether you have a question about an upcoming scan, need to discuss your referral, or want to book an appointment, our friendly front-of-house team is ready to assist you.
Call: 1300 WeScan (1300 937 226)
email: hello@coreradiology.com.au
The Core Radiology Process
Got a referral from your doctor?
Whether it's a request from your local GP, physio, or specialist, getting started is easy. We accept all valid imaging referrals, even if they have another clinic's name printed on the top.
Book your appointment
Give our friendly team a call or book your spot online. We’ll find a time that works for your schedule and let you know straight away if your scan is bulk-billed, ensuring there are no surprise out-of-pocket costs.
The day of your scan
When you arrive at Core Radiology. our team will take the time to make sure you’re comfortable. We’ll explain exactly what’s going to happen and get your scan done efficiently using our state-of-the-art, low-dose imaging tech.
Fast, clear results
Once you're finished, you're good to go. Our specialist radiologists will review your images and send a comprehensive, accurate report securely straight back to your referring doctor usually within 24 to 48 hours.