What X-Ray Can Assess

X-ray is the most commonly requested diagnostic imaging test in general practice. It produces fast, detailed images of bones, joints, the chest, and certain soft tissue structures. Your GP may refer you for an X-ray to assess:

Bones and Joints

• Suspected fractures — wrist, ankle, foot, hand, shoulder, ribs, spine
• Joint problems — arthritis, joint space narrowing, alignment
• Post-injury assessment — confirming healing and alignment after a fracture
• Pre-surgical planning — providing anatomical detail before orthopaedic procedures

Chest

• Persistent cough — assessing for pneumonia, lung pathology, or pleural effusion
• Shortness of breath — evaluating the lungs and heart size
• Chest pain — excluding rib fractures, pneumothorax, or other thoracic causes
• Pre-operative assessment — baseline chest imaging before planned surgery
• Monitoring known conditions — heart failure, chronic lung disease

Spine

• Back pain — assessing vertebral alignment, fractures, and degenerative changes
• Neck pain — particularly after trauma or whiplash
• Scoliosis screening — spinal curvature assessment

Other

• Sinuses — chronic sinusitis and nasal congestion assessment
• Abdomen — limited assessment for bowel obstruction and certain conditions
• Foreign bodies — confirming presence and location of metal or glass

7 Days a Week — Including Weekends

Unlike many radiology providers that operate Monday to Friday only, SmartCare Diagnostics Springfield is open 7 days a week. This means your GP can refer you on a Friday afternoon and you can attend on Saturday — without waiting until Monday. For patients who work during the week, weekend radiology access removes a significant barrier to completing investigations promptly.

Reporting and Results

All X-ray images at SmartCare Diagnostics Springfield are reported by a specialist radiologist. The radiologist reviews the images in detail and generates a written report that is sent electronically to your referring doctor.

• Routine reports — typically returned within 24 hours
• Urgent findings — communicated directly to your referring doctor by phone or secure messaging, followed by the formal written report

Your referring GP will contact you to discuss the results and advise on any follow-up, treatment, or further investigation that may be needed.

Bulk Billing

For eligible Medicare cardholders, X-ray at SmartCare Diagnostics Springfield is bulk billed. There is no out-of-pocket cost for your imaging. A valid GP or specialist referral is required.

Our bookings team will confirm billing details when you book so there are no surprises on the day.

What to Bring

• Your GP or specialist referral
• Your Medicare card
• Any previous imaging or reports that may be relevant
• Photo identification

Wear comfortable, loose clothing without metal fasteners where possible. You may be asked to change into a gown depending on the area being imaged.

X-Ray and CT at the Same Location

SmartCare Diagnostics Springfield provides both X-ray and CT imaging at the same clinic. If your GP has referred you for an X-ray and the results suggest further investigation with CT, this can often be arranged at the same location without a separate referral to another provider.

CT services available at Springfield include CT without contrast, CT with contrast, CT angiography (CTA), CT coronary angiography (CTCA), and CT calcium scoring. Your GP will determine if CT is appropriate based on your X-ray findings and clinical presentation.

How to Book

Contact SmartCare Diagnostics Springfield with your referral. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. Walk-in X-ray may be available subject to scheduling — call ahead to confirm.

 

BOOK OR REFER

To book an X-ray at Springfield, contact SmartCare Diagnostics on bookings@smartcd.com.au or visit smartcd.com.au. Open 7 days. Bulk billed for eligible patients.

 

Frequently Asked Questions