The short answer
For a Medicare rebate, yes. An X-ray has to be requested by an eligible practitioner, such as your GP or a specialist, and for some body areas a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath or podiatrist can request it too [1]. Imaging requests don't expire under Medicare rules. They stay valid until the X-ray has been done [1].
On this page
Do you need a referral for an X-ray?
For a Medicare rebate, yes. Most X-rays are "requested" services, and Medicare only pays if the imaging practice receives a request, before the X-ray starts, from a practitioner who is eligible to request it and has decided it's necessary [1]. Imaging practices will ask you to bring that request with you [3].
Officially this is a request, not a referral. Medicare's rules for specialist referrals, such as the 12-month validity, don't apply to imaging requests [2].
Because X-rays use ionising radiation, the practice also needs enough clinical information to decide the exposure is justified [1]. That's why a good request explains the reason for the X-ray, not just the body part.
Who can request an X-ray?
More types of practitioners can request X-rays than any other kind of imaging. Under Medicare [1]:
| Practitioner | X-rays they can request |
|---|---|
| GP (or other medical practitioner) | Any X-ray |
| Specialist | Any X-ray |
| Physiotherapist or osteopath | Spine, hip and pelvis |
| Chiropractor | Spine, hip and pelvis |
| Podiatrist | Foot, ankle, leg, knee and thigh |
| Participating nurse practitioner | A set list, including some limb, chest and abdominal X-rays |
| Dentist | A set list of X-rays |
So if you're already seeing a physiotherapist for back pain or a podiatrist for a foot problem, they may be able to request the X-ray themselves.
What should an X-ray request say?
A request doesn't need to be on a particular form, but it must be in writing and identify the X-ray clearly [1]. It should include [1]:
- the date
- the requesting practitioner's name and practice address or provider number
- your identity and contact details
- the clinical reason for the X-ray, so the radiology team can confirm it's the right test and the radiation is justified
- your pregnancy status, where relevant
The request doesn't need to be signed, and it can be sent electronically, for example by email to you or, with your consent, straight to the imaging practice, as long as the practice agrees [1].
You don't have to use a practice named on the form. Request forms supplied by imaging providers must tell you that you can take the request to any provider you choose [1].
How long does an X-ray referral last?
Imaging requests don't expire. They're valid until the X-ray has been done [1]. That's different from a GP referral to a specialist, which normally lasts 12 months [2]. Our guide on how long a referral lasts covers the other types.
Two practical points:
- If one request lists several X-rays or scans, Medicare only pays for the later ones if they're done within 14 days of the first [1], so book them close together.
- An old request may no longer match your symptoms. If things have changed, talk to your GP before you book.
How much does an X-ray cost?
As an example, the Medicare schedule fee for a chest X-ray is $55.50, and the Medicare benefit is 85% of that, $47.20 (item 58503, fees updated 1 July 2026, checked November 2026) [4]. Fees for other body areas differ.
What you pay depends on how the practice bills:
- Bulk billed. You pay nothing. Medicare pays the practice a higher benefit, 95% of the schedule fee, for bulk billed imaging [5].
- Not bulk billed. You pay the practice's fee and claim the Medicare benefit back. Anything above the benefit is your out-of-pocket cost.
- No valid request. Medicare won't pay [1], so you'd be charged the full fee.
Private health insurance generally won't help with X-rays done outside hospital. If you're not an admitted hospital patient, your fees may only be claimable through Medicare [6].
Is an X-ray safe?
An X-ray uses a small amount of radiation, and the benefit of the X-ray in diagnosing a problem is generally greater than the risk [3]. For context, natural background radiation in Australia is estimated at about 2 mSv a year, roughly the same as 100 single chest X-rays [7].
- Tell your doctor and the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant [3][8].
- Children are more sensitive to radiation, so ultrasound or MRI may be used instead when they'll answer the question [3][7].
- Most X-ray appointments take less than 15 minutes [8].
When will I get my X-ray results?
A radiologist reports on the images and sends the report to the practitioner who requested them. Talk to that practitioner about what the results mean for you [8].
Reports are also uploaded to My Health Record. Some X-ray reports for arms and legs can be viewed as soon as they're uploaded, while other X-ray reports are viewable after 5 days [9].
Can I get an X-ray request through telehealth?
Often, yes. A GP can assess many problems by phone or video and send the request to you electronically [1]. If your GP needs to examine you to decide whether an X-ray is needed, they may ask you to be seen in person. If an X-ray isn't likely to show enough, your GP may talk to you about other tests, such as a CT scan.
If you've had a significant injury, for example a limb that looks deformed, you can't put any weight on your leg, or you've hit your head and feel unwell, call 000 or go to the emergency department rather than waiting for an X-ray appointment.
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 X-ray, 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.
Common questions
Can a physio refer me for an X-ray?
Yes, for some body areas. Under Medicare, physiotherapists and osteopaths can request X-rays of the spine, hip and pelvis, and chiropractors can request similar spine, hip and pelvis X-rays [1].
Can a podiatrist order an X-ray?
Yes. Podiatrists can request Medicare X-rays of the foot, ankle, leg, knee and thigh [1].
Does an X-ray referral expire?
No. Medicare diagnostic imaging requests don't expire and are valid until the X-ray has been performed [1]. If your symptoms have changed since it was written, it's worth checking with your GP that the X-ray is still the right test.
Do I have to go to the radiology practice printed on the form?
No. A request doesn't have to be used at a particular provider, and forms supplied by imaging practices must tell you that you can take them to a provider of your choice [1].
References
- 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 GN.6.16: Referral of patients to specialists or consultant physicians. Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=GN.6.16&qt=noteID
- healthdirect. X-rays. Last reviewed December 2025. Accessed November 2026. healthdirect.gov.au/procedures/diagnostic-tests-and-scans/x-rays
- MBS Online. Item 58503: Chest (lung fields) by direct radiography. Schedule fee updated 1 July 2026. Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=58503&qt=item
- 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). Radiation risk of medical imaging for adults and children. Accessed November 2026. insideradiology.com.au/radiation-risk
- InsideRadiology (RANZCR). Plain radiograph/X-ray. Accessed November 2026. insideradiology.com.au/plain-radiograph-x-ray
- 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.