Perth Radiological Clinic: Costs, Scans & Bulk Billing

You’ve got a referral for a scan and suddenly you’re juggling clinic names, Medicare cards, and cost estimates, but Perth Radiological Clinic has been a fixture in Western Australia for more than 76 years with 21 locations offering MRI, CT, ultrasound, and X-ray. This guide lays out the facts, the costs, and the steps to get you through it.

Years in operation: 76+ ·
Clinic locations: 21 ·
Ownership: Doctor-owned ·
Imaging modalities: MRI, CT, Ultrasound, X-ray, DEXA, Injection services

Key facts at a glance

Here are the core details compiled from official sources.

The implication: The clinic’s long history and wide network suggest stability, but the billing details require individual verification.

Is Perth Radiological Clinic bulk billed?

Perth Radiological Clinic’s official billing policy states that most outpatient services are bulk billed for Pension and Health Care Card holders. The clinic also offers no‑gap bulk billing for diagnostic MRI, diagnostic CT, and PET scans, though some exclusions apply (Perth Radiological Clinic – Billing Policy).

How does bulk billing work at Perth Radiological Clinic?

When you are bulk billed, you pay nothing out of pocket on the day of your appointment – the clinic claims the Medicare rebate directly. According to the clinic’s Outpatient Billing Guide (PDF), this applies to X‑ray (excluding OPG), diagnostic CT (excluding doctor procedures and cone beam CT), PET, and diagnostic MRI (excluding breast MRI).

What scans are eligible for bulk billing?

Bulk billing eligibility depends on your referral, Medicare card, and the specific scan. The billing policy clarifies that diagnostic MRI, CT, and PET are bulk billed, while most other services carry an out‑of‑pocket gap fee. To be sure, contact the Patient Support Team on 1300 567 046 before your appointment.

The catch: Even with bulk billing, exclusions exist, so patients must confirm their specific scan type.

Who owns Perth Radiological Clinics?

Perth Radiological Clinic is a doctor‑owned practice, a structure that sets it apart from many corporate imaging chains. According to its LinkedIn profile, the clinic has a 76‑year legacy of doctor‑led service.

What is the ownership structure?

The clinic is owned and operated by radiologists, meaning clinical decisions are made by doctors rather than shareholders. St John of God Hospital describes it as “a community based practice providing class leading medical imaging from all 21 clinic locations” (St John of God Hospital – referring partner).

What was Lumus imaging called before?

Lumus Imaging was previously part of the I‑MED Radiology Network, but that history is separate from Perth Radiological Clinic. PRC remains independently doctor‑owned and has no corporate parent.

How does doctor-ownership affect patient care?

Doctor‑owned practices tend to prioritise clinical quality over profit margins. For PRC, that means radiologists directly oversee image interpretation and patient referrals, which can lead to faster reporting and more personalised care.

The pattern: Ownership structure directly influences the care experience, making PRC’s model a distinct advantage.

What are the common scans done at Perth Rad clinic?

Perth Radiological Clinic offers a full range of imaging modalities. Its Billing Policy lists MRI, CT, ultrasound, X‑ray, DEXA, and injection services. Common procedures include cardiac CT, bone density DEXA, and general X‑rays.

What are the 4 types of scans?

The four main imaging types are X‑ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. Each uses a different technology and is suited to specific diagnostic needs. PRC offers all four (Perth Radiological Clinic – official site).

What is the difference between CT, MRI, ultrasound, and X‑ray?

• X‑ray – quick, low‑cost, uses low doses of radiation. Best for bone fractures and chest checks.
• CT – combines multiple X‑rays to create cross‑sectional images. Higher radiation, faster than MRI.
• MRI – uses magnetic fields and radio waves. No ionising radiation, excellent for soft tissues, but takes longer and costs more.
• Ultrasound – uses sound waves. Safe during pregnancy, real‑time imaging, no radiation.

The implication: The choice of scan involves balancing cost, speed, and safety, with bulk billing availability further complicating the decision.

How do I access my Perth Rad clinic results?

Once your scan is complete, the radiologist reports the findings to your referring doctor – not directly to you. According to RadiologyInfo (patient education site), radiologists typically do not discuss results with patients; that conversation is for your GP or specialist.

Will a radiologist tell you if something is wrong?

In most cases, no. The radiologist’s role is to interpret the images and send a report to your doctor. If they notice something urgent, they may alert your referring doctor immediately, but they will not share findings with you during the scan.

How to retrieve results online?

Perth Radiological Clinic’s website mentions a “Your Results” page, but detailed instructions are not publicly available. To access your results, contact the clinic directly after your referring doctor has received the report. You can also ask your doctor to provide a copy.

The pattern: Patients must rely on their referring doctor for results, which underscores the importance of a clear communication channel.

How much is a CT scan at Perth Radiological clinic?

Exact pricing for a CT scan is not published on any official PRC source. Costs vary depending on the body part scanned, whether you are an inpatient or outpatient, and your Medicare coverage. The clinic’s Outpatient Billing Guide notes that most outpatient diagnostic CT scans are bulk billed, but if you are not eligible, an out‑of‑pocket gap fee will apply.

Are there out‑of‑pocket costs?

If your scan is not bulk billed, the gap fee can range from $50 to $300 depending on the complexity. The only way to know for sure is to request a quote from the Patient Support Team (1300 567 046) before your appointment.

The implication: Without published pricing, the onus is on patients to proactively verify costs.

What’s cheaper, an MRI or a CT scan?

CT scans are generally less expensive than MRI scans. The difference comes down to equipment: an MRI machine costs more to purchase and maintain, and scan times are longer – often 30–60 minutes versus a few minutes for CT.

Cost comparison table

The table below compares CT and MRI on key factors.

Risks and uses of each

CT scans deliver a higher dose of radiation, so they are used carefully, especially in children and pregnant women. MRI scans have no known radiation risks but require patients to remain still inside a narrow tube, which can be uncomfortable.

The catch: While MRI is radiation-free, its higher cost and longer duration may make CT a more practical choice for many patients.

What are the 4 types of scans?

The four fundamental imaging types – X‑ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound – each have distinct strengths. Perth Radiological Clinic provides all four, along with DEXA and interventional procedures.

X‑ray

• Quick and low‑cost
• Low radiation dose
• Common for fractures and chest infections

CT scan

• Detailed cross‑sectional images
• Higher radiation dose
• Good for cancer staging and trauma

MRI scan

• Excellent soft‑tissue contrast
• No ionising radiation
• Long scan time, higher cost

Ultrasound

• Uses sound waves, safe during pregnancy
• Real‑time imaging
• Limited for bone or air‑filled structures

The pattern: Each modality fills a specific niche, and PRC covers them all.

CT vs MRI: A side-by-side comparison

A single scan decision can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars and different radiation risks. Here’s how the two stack up at Perth Radiological Clinic.

“Leading Medical Imaging”

– Perth Radiological Clinic – official site

The following table highlights the differences.

The implication: The choice between CT and MRI involves trade-offs in radiation, time, and cost, with bulk billing only partially mitigating expenses.

Imaging modalities at Perth Radiological Clinic

Six modalities, one clinic – but each comes with its own procedure and price profile. The table below summarises what PRC offers according to its official billing policy.

The pattern: Bulk billing clarity varies by modality, and patients must inquire about ultrasound, DEXA, and injections.

How to book an appointment at Perth Radiological Clinic

1. Get a referral – You need a referral from your GP or specialist for all scans (Medicare requirement).
2. Choose a location – PRC has 21 clinics across Western Australia. Find the nearest one on their website.
3. Call the Patient Support Team – Phone 1300 567 046 to book your appointment and confirm bulk billing eligibility.
4. Bring your Medicare card and referral – On the day, present both at reception.
5. Receive your results – The radiologist sends the report to your referring doctor, who will discuss the findings with you.

The implication: The booking process is straightforward, but confirming billing ahead of time is essential to avoid surprises.

What we know and what’s unclear

The pattern: The clarity gap highlights the need for direct patient communication with the clinic.

What others say about Perth Radiological Clinic

“Leading Medical Imaging”

– Perth Radiological Clinic – official site

“A community based practice providing class leading medical imaging from all 21 clinic locations”

– St John of God Hospital – referring partner

The clinic is described as a trusted imaging provider by its hospital partners, reinforcing its reputation for quality and accessibility across Western Australia.

For patients in Perth, the decision often comes down to one thing: knowing what you’ll pay before you walk in the door. With bulk billing available for many scans but not all, the smartest move is to call 1300 567 046 and confirm your specific costs. The clinic’s 76-year history and doctor-owned model give it a strong foundation, but transparency on pricing remains a gap that patients need to navigate themselves.

Frequently asked questions