Do I need a referral for an ultrasound?

Do you need a referral for an ultrasound?

For a Medicare rebate, yes. Most ultrasounds are "requested" services, and Medicare only pays if the imaging practice receives a request, before the scan, from a practitioner who is eligible to request it and has decided it's necessary ^[1]. You'll usually need a referral from your doctor or another health professional, and it helps to bring any previous scans for comparison ^[2].

The request also needs to be clinically relevant. Medicare's own example is that an ultrasound to find out the sex of a baby generally isn't, unless it could change treatment, for example where there's a genetic risk of a sex-linked condition ^[1]. Some people choose 3D or 4D scans for non-medical reasons ^[2], and those are paid for privately.

Who can request an ultrasound?

Under Medicare ^[1]:

• GPs can request almost any ultrasound. A few items have extra requirements. For example, a follow-up detailed scan at 17 to 22 weeks of pregnancy needs a requester with obstetric qualifications ^[1].
• Specialists can request any ultrasound, with the same few exceptions ^[1].
• Participating midwives can request the main pregnancy scans and some pelvic scans ^[1].
• Participating nurse practitioners can request a set list that includes some abdominal, pelvic, early pregnancy and musculoskeletal scans ^[1].
• Podiatrists can request some foot and ankle ultrasounds ^[1].

Physiotherapists can request certain X-rays under Medicare, but not ultrasounds ^[1]. If your physio thinks you need one, your GP can request it. For gynaecological problems, your GP may request a pelvic ultrasound before or alongside a referral to a gynaecologist.

Pregnancy ultrasounds

Routine pregnancy scans are usually offered at 11 to 14 weeks and 18 to 22 weeks, with extra scans only if needed ^[2]. Each Medicare pregnancy item applies within a set window:

Fees updated 1 July 2026, checked November 2026. Your GP, obstetrician or participating midwife can request these ^[1]. Because of the timing windows, book as soon as you have the request.

If you're pregnant and have heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain or you feel faint, call 000 or go to the emergency department.

What should an ultrasound request say?

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

You can take your request to any imaging practice. It doesn't have to be the one printed on the form ^[1].

How long does an ultrasound referral last?

Imaging requests don't expire. They're valid until the scan has been done ^[1]. That's different from specialist referrals, which have set time limits; 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], so book them together.

How much does an ultrasound cost?

As an example, the schedule fee for an abdominal ultrasound is $131.00 and the Medicare benefit is $111.35 (item 55036, fees updated 1 July 2026) ^[5].

• 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.
• Not clinically relevant or no eligible request. No Medicare benefit ^[1], so you pay the full fee.

If you're not an admitted hospital patient, your fees may only be claimable through Medicare ^[7], so private health insurance generally won't cover a community ultrasound.

What happens during an ultrasound?

For a Medicare-rebated scan, the sonographer has to be accredited and registered, and the scan has to be done under appropriate medical supervision ^[8].

• Ultrasound is painless and doesn't involve radiation ^[9].
• Most scans take about 30 minutes ^[9].
• Some need preparation. For an external pelvic scan, you'll usually be asked to drink 750 mL of water an hour before and not empty your bladder ^[9]. The practice will tell you what's needed.

When will I get my ultrasound results?

A radiologist reviews the images and sends a report to the practitioner who requested the scan, who will talk you through it ^[9]. Ultrasound reports uploaded to My Health Record are viewable after 5 days ^[10].

Can I get an ultrasound request through telehealth?

Often, yes. A GP can take a history by phone or video and, where appropriate, send the request to you electronically ^[1]. If an examination is needed first, your GP may ask you to be seen in person. Sometimes the next step is a different test, such as an MRI or an X-ray.

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 an ultrasound, including pregnancy scans, 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.