The short answer
It depends why you're having it. A screening mammogram through BreastScreen Australia is free every 2 years and doesn't need a referral; women aged 50 to 74 are invited, and women 40 to 49 or 75 and over can also attend [1][2]. If you have breast symptoms, a past breast cancer or a significant family history, you'll need a diagnostic mammogram, which needs a request from a doctor for a Medicare rebate [4].
On this page
Do you need a referral for a mammogram?
It depends on which kind of mammogram you need.
| Screening mammogram | Diagnostic mammogram | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | People with no breast symptoms [3] | People with symptoms, a past breast cancer or a significant family history [4] |
| Where | BreastScreen Australia services [1] | Private or hospital imaging practices |
| Referral needed? | No [2][3] | Yes, a doctor's request for a Medicare rebate [4] |
| Cost | Free [1] | Medicare rebate, possible out-of-pocket cost [4] |
Who can have a free BreastScreen mammogram?
BreastScreen Australia invites women aged 50 to 74 to have a free breast screen every 2 years [1]. Women aged 40 to 49, and women 75 and over, can also have a free mammogram [1]. They just won't be sent an invitation.
You don't need a doctor's referral to book [2][3]. If you're 40 to 49 or 75 and over, BreastScreen recommends seeing your doctor before booking [2], so you can talk through your personal risk. You can find your nearest service by calling 13 20 50 [3].
If you've been screened through BreastScreen, your results are usually posted within about 2 weeks. Around 5% of women are asked back for more tests, such as an ultrasound or a needle biopsy [3].
When do you need a diagnostic mammogram?
Screening is only for people without symptoms. If you notice a new or changing lump, breast pain, a change in the nipple or nipple discharge, a change in breast shape, or puckering of the skin, see your doctor as soon as possible [3]. Don't wait for your next screen, and don't be reassured by a recent normal mammogram, because mammography doesn't find every cancer [3].
Medicare pays for a diagnostic mammogram when there's reason to suspect breast cancer because of [4]:
- a past breast cancer
- a significant family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- symptoms or signs of breast disease found when a medical practitioner examines you
These Medicare items are for investigating a breast problem, not for screening people without symptoms [4]. Your doctor needs to write the clinical reason on the request [5]. Three-dimensional breast tomosynthesis has its own Medicare items with the same reasons [4].
Your doctor may also suggest a breast ultrasound, for example if you have dense breasts and a significant symptom [9]. A normal mammogram doesn't mean a lump you can feel can be ignored, and further tests may still be needed [9]. For more on that, see do I need a referral for an ultrasound. Other breast imaging, such as MRI, has its own referral rules.
Can a GP refer me for a private screening mammogram?
A doctor can refer you to a private practice for a screening mammogram [3]. But Medicare's mammogram items aren't for screening people without symptoms [4], so unless one of the reasons above applies, you'd generally pay the full fee. For most people with no symptoms, BreastScreen is the free option.
How long does a mammogram referral last?
Medicare imaging requests don't expire. They're valid until the mammogram has been done [6]. That's different from specialist referrals, which have set time limits; see how long a referral lasts. You can take the request to any imaging practice you choose [6].
How much does a diagnostic mammogram cost?
The schedule fee for a mammogram of both breasts is $105.40, with a Medicare benefit of $89.60. For three-dimensional tomosynthesis of both breasts, the fee is $238.00 and the benefit $202.30 (items 59300 and 59302, fees updated 1 July 2026, checked November 2026) [4].
- Bulk billed. You pay nothing, and Medicare pays the practice 95% of the schedule fee [7].
- Not bulk billed. You pay the practice's fee and claim the Medicare benefit back. The difference is your out-of-pocket cost.
Private health insurance generally won't help with a mammogram done outside hospital. If you're not an admitted hospital patient, your fees may only be claimable through Medicare [8].
Is a mammogram safe?
A mammogram uses a small amount of radiation. The estimated risk of a mammogram causing breast cancer is less than 1 in 25,000, and the benefit of finding breast cancer early far outweighs it [9]. The breast is compressed for a few seconds, which can be uncomfortable but gives a clearer image with less radiation [9].
A radiologist sends the report to the doctor who requested a diagnostic mammogram [9]. Mammogram reports uploaded to My Health Record are viewable after 5 days [10].
Can I get a mammogram request through telehealth?
Sometimes. If the reason is a past breast cancer or a significant family history, a GP can assess that by phone or video and send the request electronically [4][6]. If you have a new breast symptom, Medicare's diagnostic item refers to signs found when a doctor examines you [4], so you'll usually need an in-person breast examination. Please don't delay getting a new lump or change checked. Our guide to getting a referral online explains more.
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 diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound, or explain whether free BreastScreen screening suits you. If your symptoms need a physical examination, the GP will tell you.
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.
Common questions
Do I need a referral for BreastScreen?
Can I get a free mammogram if I'm under 50?
Yes, from age 40. Women aged 40 to 49 can still have a free BreastScreen mammogram, although they aren't sent invitations [1].
What should I do if I find a breast lump?
Is a diagnostic mammogram covered by Medicare?
How do I book a BreastScreen appointment?
Call 13 20 50 to reach your nearest BreastScreen service [3].
References
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. About the BreastScreen Australia Program. Accessed November 2026. health.gov.au/our-work/breastscreen-australia-program/about-the-breast
- BreastScreen Queensland, Queensland Health. Before screening. Accessed November 2026. breastscreen.qld.gov.au/having-a-breast-screen/before-screening
- InsideRadiology (RANZCR). Screening mammography. Accessed November 2026. insideradiology.com.au/screening-mammography
- MBS Online. Items 59300 to 59305: Mammography and three-dimensional tomosynthesis of the breasts. Schedule fees updated 1 July 2026. Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/search.cfm?q=59300-59305&sopt=I
- MBS Online. Explanatory note IN.0.16: Group I3, Diagnostic radiology. Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=IN.0.16&qt=noteID
- MBS Online. Explanatory note IN.0.6: Requests for R-type diagnostic imaging services. Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=IN.0.6&qt=noteID
- MBS Online. Explanatory note IN.0.19: Bulk billing incentive. Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=IN.0.19&qt=noteID
- Australian Government, privatehealth.gov.au. Out of pocket costs. Accessed November 2026. privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/howitworks/out_of_pocket.htm
- InsideRadiology (RANZCR). Diagnostic mammography. Accessed November 2026. insideradiology.com.au/diagnostic-mammography
- Australian Digital Health Agency. Better and faster access to health information (pathology and diagnostic imaging reports in My Health Record). Accessed November 2026. digitalhealth.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/better-and-faster-access
Published by Referral GP. Last updated 6 November 2026. This page is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice about your own situation. If you or someone else is in danger, call 000.