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X rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate or pass through the human body and produce shadow-like images of bones and some organs. The images can reveal signs of disease and injury.

X rays are used in medicine in procedures such as:

• Radiography, which produces a still X ray image;
  
  
• fluoroscopy, which  enables the observation of motion within the body and certain diagnostic and treatment procedures;
  
  
• computed tomography, which produces more detailed still images.
  
  

The body absorbs some of the X rays’ energy. The very low radiation doses absorbed during imaging procedures generally produce no adverse effects, but it is still recommended to reduce the doses as much as possible. Very large radiation doses are used in radiation oncology or therapy to stop the multiplication of cancer cells.

Adverse effects from radiation dose absorbed in diagnostic practice are rare. For example, the radiation dose absorbed from a simple X ray examination such as a chest X ray (radiograph) or an X ray of the skull, abdomen, pelvic region, arms, shoulder or knees is quite low and is smaller than that received annually from natural sources. Even at these low levels of radiation exposure, it cannot be excluded that the dose could cause cancer or genetic effects. There is no practical evidence of such effects from any human studies to date, but the theoretical possibility cannot be ruled out.

There are no prescribed limits on radiation doses to patients. This means that no amount of radiation is considered too much for a patient when the procedure is justified by the doctor. The doctor will consider the benefits versus the risks. Several international organizations have established guidelines and recommendations based on scientific data. Every effort should be made to reduce the patient’s exposure to radiation. A principle known as ALARA – As Low as Reasonably Achievable – guides practices. An examination that serves no medical purpose is inappropriate, no matter how small the dose.

All X ray equipment is maintained by qualified staff and periodically tested. Radiation safety includes management of the doses patients are exposed to. Roselea Imaging Services is an accredited centre.

The following principles are helpful:

• Each examination should be justified. Benefits and risks of the intended examination or procedure should be considered, and the possibility of using other methods that do not involve radiation exposure should be explored. This is the principle of justification;
  
  
• Once justified, the examination should be performed with minimal radiation dose. This requires achieving adequate image quality while keeping the exposure as low as reasonably achievable. This is the principle of optimisation and ALARA;
  
  
• The radiation dose could be compared with regional, national or international reference levels that indicate approximate dose levels for different medical procedures;
  
  
• Unnecessary repeat examinations should be avoided. Repeat examinations are sometimes needed to monitor progress, particularly with cancer treatment.

No

X rays do not induce radioactivity.

Yes, but with certain precautions. 

The aim is to minimize  the unborn child’s radiation exposure. An unborn child is considered to be more sensitive than adults or children to potential adverse radiation effects. For many investigations such as X ray examinations of the head (including dental X rays), the chest and limbs, the dose to an unborn child would be very low as the patient’s pelvic region is not exposed to the X ray beam. 

All medically justified procedures can be conducted. 

Doctors may consider delaying  procedures that would put the pelvic region and the unborn child in the direct path of the X ray beam, particularly fluoroscopy or CT investigations. If the procedure is essential to the mother’s health, the doctors take special actions to keep the dose to the unborn child as low as possible. For example, pregnant patients can have their pelvic regions’ shielded during the procedure as an added precaution.

An ultrasound scan uses sophisticated equipment to send sound waves into the body and captures the returning data to create images that are looked at by the sonographer and interpreted by a radiologist.

Ultrasound uses sound waves, and no ionizing radiation, and has no known significant risks.

A full bladder pushes the uterus in a position where we can see it better, and brightens up the entire pelvis so that we can adequately visualize the uterus and ovaries. It also moves the intestines and bowel out of the way.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to generate images of body parts. It is always best to get the sound transducer as close as possible to the part being imaged (ovaries and uterus) as possible to obtain the highly detailed images needed. You will never be forced into such an exam if you’re uncomfortable with this.

Each modality images differently. Sometimes it is necessary to image with different modalities different ways for the best diagnosis. An ultrasound is what your doctor’s office has ordered at this time. Ultrasound is a very good, and very safe test. If additional imaging is needed, the radiologist will recommend it.

Your images will be examined by a radiologist. A radiologist is a highly trained doctor who specializes in using imaging to diagnose disease. Our radiologist will look at all of the images from your scan and provide your GP with  a detailed report of the findings, usually within a day of it being completed.

What happens with payment for a Private account? 

You are required to pay your private account in full on the day of your examination.. We can then lodge your claim immediately with Medicare so that the rebated amount from your examination(s) will be automatically sent to your nominated bank account or sent to you directly. 

Why am I charged a private fee?

Roselea Imaging Service is an independent boutique Practice which strives to provide a high quality diagnostic imaging service. In order to sustain this service, a small out of pocket fee will be charged,  however all effort is made to keep these fees as low as possible.

All patients under 16 years of age, Commonwealth Government Pension card holders and Health Care card holders will be bulk billed.

If you are not eligible for cover through Medicare you will be charged a fee for services, but you will be given a quote beforehand. If you have travel insurance, check your policy to see if your medical expenses, such as radiology tests, are covered by that insurance.

Will my health insurance cover any of the cost? 

If you are an Australian citizen with Medicare entitlements, there are currently no private health funds that provide payments for outpatient medical imaging services. Some international students or residents may have health insurance entitlements that cover these services. Please contact your health fund for more information.

Do I need a referral for an x-ray or ultrasound? 

Yes. All radiology practices require a referral from an authorised referrer before we can perform any medical imaging study. Authorised referrers are usually doctors or dentists, but chiropractors, osteopaths physiotherapists and podiatrists are also authorised to send patients for certain examinations.

We accept any radiology referral. Unless the referral is specifically addressed to an individual doctor, for example Dear Dr Jones, Roselea Imaging Services will accept a referral for medical imaging at any practice. However as we are only offering x-rays and general and obstetric ultrasounds, we may not provide the examination you require.

Our friendly staff will be happy to provide you with alternative Radiology practices that can carry out your examination(s) for you.