You don't always need to sit in a clinic waiting room to get an ultrasound referral. If a doctor determines a scan is clinically appropriate, they can assess you by phone or video and issue the referral digitally — valid at radiology clinics Australia-wide.
Here's how the process works, what it costs, and when an online referral makes sense.
Need an online ultrasound referral or GP consultation today?
Request an Ultrasound Referral ($25)What is an Online Ultrasound Referral?
An ultrasound referral is an official request form a doctor issues so a radiology clinic can perform your scan. With telehealth, an AHPRA-registered GP assesses your symptoms and medical history by phone or video, and if the scan is clinically appropriate, issues the referral electronically — usually as a digital PDF sent straight to your inbox.
The referral itself is the same document you'd receive at a physical clinic. The difference is simply how you saw the doctor.
What Types of Ultrasound Can Be Arranged Online?
Depending on your symptoms and history, an online doctor can assess and, where clinically appropriate, issue referrals for scans including:
- Abdominal ultrasound — pain, digestive, or organ-related concerns
- Pelvic and obstetric ultrasound — including early pregnancy dating scans
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound — joint, tendon, and soft tissue injuries
- Doppler vascular ultrasound — circulation and vein assessments
- Thyroid and neck ultrasound — evaluating nodules or swelling
- Breast ultrasound — often paired with mammogram referrals
The doctor will always assess first. If your situation needs urgent or in-person care, they'll direct you to it rather than issue a referral.
How Much Does an Online Ultrasound Referral Cost?
NewTeleDoc Medical charges a flat $25 for an imaging referral — no booking fees, no hidden extras.
Note that the referral fee covers the doctor's assessment and the referral itself. The ultrasound scan at the radiology clinic is billed separately and may be partly covered by Medicare depending on the type of scan.
How to Get Your Ultrasound Referral in 3 Steps
Choose the imaging referral service and tell the doctor briefly why you need a scan.
A phone or video consultation with an AHPRA-registered GP who assesses your symptoms and history.
A digital PDF referral is emailed to you, ready to take to any accredited radiology clinic in Australia. Most patients complete the whole process the same day.
Where Can I Use the Referral?
Your referral is valid at any accredited Australian radiology provider, including major networks like I-MED Radiology, Qscan, and Capital Radiology, as well as independent local clinics. Simply book your scan directly with the clinic of your choice.
Online Referral vs. In-Person GP Visit
Telehealth referrals are strictly for non-urgent situations. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
- Severe or sudden-onset acute pain
- Major physical trauma or injury
- Chest pain or severe breathing difficulty
- Signs of stroke (facial drooping, speech difficulty, weakness)
- Any condition you believe requires immediate medical attention
Call 000 immediately for emergency medical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Common questions about online ultrasound referrals and radiology procedures.
Can I get an ultrasound referral without seeing a doctor in person?
Yes. An AHPRA-registered doctor can assess you by telehealth and issue an ultrasound referral if it's clinically appropriate for your situation.
Is an online ultrasound referral valid at any radiology clinic?
Yes — NewTeleDoc referrals are valid at any accredited radiology provider across Australia, including major networks like I-MED, Qscan, and Capital Radiology.
How long does it take to receive the referral?
Referrals are issued electronically after your consultation and sent as a digital PDF to your email — usually on the same day.
Does the $25 cover the ultrasound scan itself?
No. The $25 covers the doctor's clinical assessment and referral document. The scan itself at the radiology clinic is billed separately and may attract a Medicare rebate depending on the scan type.
Get Your Ultrasound Referral Today
Skip the waiting room. Speak with an AHPRA-registered doctor online and get your digital referral — $25 flat fee.
Request an Ultrasound Referral ($25)