Our Billing Policy
Uniradiology Southport is proud to offer a large range of bulk billed, quality diagnostic imaging services.
While most of our competitors believe that a higher cost means a better service, Uniradiology Southport adopts an alternative view, that bulk billing should not result in a compromise on quality. We are committed to providing a more affordable and efficient service to all our patients, as well as an experience to be remembered.
Patients will incur no out-of-pocket expenses at Uniradiology Southport, as the services we offer are completely bulk billed.
Our Services
X-ray
An x-ray is an image taken of the inside of the body by a machine that sends out rays of radiation energy. When these rays pass through skin and muscle they are blocked by the bones and teeth, creating shadow effects. These shadows are captured and displayed on a x-ray film.
The different parts of your body have different body tissues which vary in their absorption of the x-rays. This means bones, soft tissues and other internal features can be seen on the x rays in varying shades of grey.
All general x-ray services are bulk billed to all doctors & patients.
PREPARATION
There is no preparation needed. Once you arrive at our practice, you may be required to change into a gown and you will need to remove any jewellery or metallic items from your body as they will interfere with the x-ray image.
OPG / Dental X-ray
A dental x-ray or OPG, is an x-ray that looks at the lower part of the face and displays both the upper and lower teeth in a long flat line. It demonstrates the number, position and growth of all your teeth including those that have not yet erupted.
At Uniradiology Southport, we offer a fully digital OPG system, utilizing *low-dose* technology, significantly reducing radiation exposure by up to 60%, whilst providing the best imaging quality possible.
Bulk billing is available to all oral specialists, on our services including:
- General digital orthopantomography
- Digital lateral cephalometry
- Advanced panoramic imaging
- Temporo-mandibular joint imaging
PREPARATION
There is no preparation needed. You will need to remove any jewelry or metallic items from your head and neck as they will interfere with the x-ray image.
Mammography
A Mammogram is a low dose x-ray examination of the breast/s. The examination is performed by a Radiographer with skills using specially designed equipment. Mammography plays an important part in early detection of breast cancer because it can show changes in the breast before a patient can feel them.
We employ a mammography system that is highly versatile and equipped for special views, magnification and digital stereotactic biopsies; designed for perfect patient accessibility and superior image quality.
Uniradiology Southport offers superior quality Mammography services with bulk billing available to all Medicare eligible patients.
Due to Medicare eligibility requirements, appointments must be made in advance.
PREPARATION
If you experience tenderness in the breasts before your menstrual period, do not schedule the exam during this time. The best time is one week following your menstrual period unless the examination is urgent.
If you have breast implants, please advise staff at the time of booking, as you will need a longer appointment.
You must Shower before you arrive and do not wear any talcum powder, creams, perfumes or deodorant on the upper part of your torso or breasts as they may interfere with the procedure. You must also bring any previous breast images and reports to your appointment to allow for accurate reporting.
CT
Computed Tomography (CT) is an x-ray examination performed with a computerized x-ray scanning machine. To produce images, a narrow beam of x-rays is rotated around the part of your body to be examined. The x-ray beam is monitored and recorded by an array of sensitive detectors. The Scanner then generates a visible image of the cross section of the body region being examined.
At Uniradiology Southport, we have invested in the very best of *Low-Dose* scanning equipment in an effort to provide the local community with an affordable, reliable diagnostic imaging experience, whilst offering peace of mind about radiation exposure being kept to an absolute minimum. Adopting the A.L.A.R.A. principle (as low as reasonably achievable), Uniradiology Southport is committed to providing the very best in patient care using modern day methods of radiation reduction in all aspects of the clinical environment.
PREPARATION
Depending on the type of CT examination required, you may be asked to fast or to drink oral contrast prior to the study. When booking your appointment our reception team will give you instructions to suit the type of scan you are having.
Once you arrive at out practice, you may be required to change into a gown and you will need to remove any jewelry or metallic items from your body as they will interfere with the CT image.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound examinations can be performed on most parts of the body and provide information about a variety of conditions. During an ultrasound examination, sound waves are bounced back from parts of the body (like sonar) to give black and white or colour images.
Ultrasound is particularly useful in pregnancy as there are no known harmful effects from its diagnostic use. Modern ultrasound equipment shows detail in “real-time”, not as still images. This enables a moving image to be seen on the screen. These examinations are performed by a Sonographer whom is trained in ultrasound imaging.
The sonographer uses a transducer (a hand-held device which produces and receives the sound waves) to display the images. Your doctor will explain why an ultrasound examination is necessary and the best choice of imaging for you. Your doctor may refer you for an x-ray as well to be read in conjunction with the ultrasound.
PREPARATION
You may need to perform a specific preparation prior to your Ultrasound examination. You may be asked to fast or to drink water for example. When booking your appointment our reception team will give you instructions to suit the type of scan you are having.
Once you arrive at our practice, you may be required to change into a gown and you will need to remove any jewellery or metallic items from your body as they will interfere with the Ultrasound image.