Can a physiotherapist refer me for Xrays or scans?
A. Yes, a physiotherapist can refer for Xrays of the whole body. The Medicare rebate, and hence the clients out of pocket expense, is the same if a physiotherapist or a doctor refers you for spinal (neck, thoracic or lumbar) Xrays. However, the Medicare rebate is smaller if a physiotherapist refers you for Xrays of a peripheral joint such as shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, hip, knee compared to a doctor’s referral for the same body part. At this clinic you would be given the option to get the referral from your doctor or the physiotherapist, especially for peripheral joints. At this stage physiotherapists cannot directly refer for ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. We can write to your GP or specialist doctor suggesting these may be needed, but the decision to request this imaging rests with the doctor.
