Do I need a referral for a CT scan?

Do you need a referral for a CT scan?

Yes. You'll need a referral from your doctor before you book a CT scan ^[2]. For a Medicare rebate, the imaging practice has to receive a written request, before the scan, from a practitioner who is eligible to request it and has decided it's necessary ^[1].

Because CT uses more radiation than a plain X-ray ^[2], the request also needs enough clinical information for the radiologist to decide the scan is justified, including pregnancy status where relevant ^[1]. Officially it's a request rather than a referral, but most people use the words interchangeably.

Can a GP refer you for a CT scan?

Yes. This is a big difference from MRI. GPs can request most Medicare CT items, while Medicare MRIs from a GP are limited to a short list ^[1]. If you're weighing the two, see do I need a referral for an MRI.

A few CT items have extra requester rules. CT coronary angiography, a CT of the heart's arteries, needs a request from a specialist or consultant physician ^[3], so your GP would usually refer you to a cardiologist first. Some dental practitioners can also request certain CT scans ^[1].

Low-dose CT for lung cancer screening

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program uses low-dose CT scans for people at high risk who don't have symptoms. You're eligible if you ^[4]:

• are aged 50 to 70
• have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
• have a history of at least 30 pack-years of cigarette smoking, and either still smoke or quit in the past 10 years

You need to see a healthcare provider, who checks you're suitable and requests the scan ^[4]. The scan is bulk billed, so there's no out-of-pocket cost for the CT itself, although a consultation fee may apply if your provider doesn't bulk bill ^[4]. Screening is repeated every 2 years, with extra scans if follow-up is needed ^[4].

What should a CT request include, and how long does it last?

A CT request must be in writing and dated, with the requesting practitioner's name and practice address or provider number, and enough detail to identify the scan ^[1]. It doesn't need a signature and can be sent electronically if the practice accepts it ^[1].

Imaging requests don't expire. They're valid until the scan has been done ^[1]. That's different from a GP referral to a specialist, which normally lasts 12 months; see how long a referral lasts. If one request lists several scans, Medicare only pays for the later ones if they're done within 14 days of the first ^[1].

You can take your request to any imaging practice ^[1]. If you've had a CT of the same area before, going back to the same practice makes it easier for the radiologist to compare scans ^[9].

How much does a CT scan cost?

As an example, the schedule fee for a CT of the brain without contrast is $225.20, and the Medicare benefit is $191.45 (item 56001, fees updated 1 July 2026, checked November 2026) ^[5]. Scans of other areas, or with contrast, have different fees.

• Bulk billed. You pay nothing, and Medicare pays the practice 95% of the schedule fee ^[6].
• Not bulk billed. You pay the practice's fee and claim the Medicare benefit back. The difference is your out-of-pocket cost.
• No eligible request. No Medicare benefit ^[1], so you pay the full fee.

Private health insurance generally won't help with a CT done outside hospital. If you're not an admitted hospital patient, your fees may only be claimable through Medicare ^[7].

Is the radiation from a CT scan a concern?

CT produces more radiation than other types of imaging, and having a lot of CT scans may increase your risk ^[2]. That's why a CT should only be used when it's needed ^[2].

• The added risk from a scan is small, and usually less than the risk of not finding or treating a problem properly ^[8].
• Children are more sensitive to radiation. If your child needs a CT, check with the radiographer that they'll get a child-sized dose ^[2].
• CT is best avoided in pregnancy ^[2]. Tell your doctor if you are or might be pregnant.
• Ultrasound and MRI don't use ionising radiation and are often used instead when they can answer the question ^[8].

What happens during a CT scan?

Some CT scans need an injection of iodine-containing contrast, and you may be asked to fast for a few hours beforehand ^[9]. Extra precautions apply if you have poor kidney function or diabetes, and there's a small risk of an allergic reaction, so tell the staff about any allergies ^[9]. The time in the scanner itself is usually under 10 minutes ^[9].

A radiologist reports to the practitioner who requested the scan, who will talk you through the results ^[9]. CT reports uploaded to My Health Record are viewable after 5 days ^[10].

Can I get a CT request through telehealth?

Often, yes. A GP can assess you by phone or video and, where appropriate, send the request to you electronically ^[1]. If your GP needs to examine you before deciding on a scan, they may ask you to be seen in person. Sometimes a simpler test comes first, such as an X-ray.

Signs of a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking), a sudden severe headache, a serious head injury or severe abdominal pain need emergency care. Call 000 or go to the emergency department.

Getting a referral

Referral GP offers phone and video consultations with AHPRA-registered Australian GPs. Where it's clinically appropriate, your GP can write a request for a CT scan, which you can take to the imaging practice of your choice ^[1]. Parents or guardians can request a consult for their child, who attends with them.

Fees. Bulk billed for eligible patients. If you're not eligible, a consultation fee may apply, and we'll confirm it with you before your consult.

A consultation doesn't guarantee a referral. Your GP decides what's clinically appropriate. We're not an emergency service.

Request a consult for an imaging request

This page is general information, not medical or legal advice.