Can I Book a CT Scan Online?
Yes, it’s possible to book a CT scan online. There are lots of diagnostic imaging services in Australia that allow you to schedule a CT scan through online platforms. However, you may need to present a CT scan referral, especially if you want Medicare coverage.
If you’re in urgent need of a CT Scan and don’t have the time to visit a GP clinic nor the patience to wait for doctor’s appointments (which could take weeks!), Instant Consult is here to help.
Our telehealth platform connects you with AHPRA-accredited healthcare professionals so you can get the referral you need from the comfort of your home. Just sign up or log in to your Instant Consult account, book a consultation, and tell your doctor why you need a CT scan. If your doctor agrees, you’ll receive your imaging referral form on your device right after the video consultation.
Instant Consult gets rid of the hassles of traditionally getting medical imaging referrals like CT scans. There’s no need to wait days for an appointment, then actually having to go to a clinic and wait around in queues. You can get it sorted from your couch any time. It’s perfect if you’re looking to get a CT scan without the runaround.
What is a Computed Tomography (CT) Scan?
A Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a medical imaging procedure that provides highly detailed images of the body’s internal structures. It combines X-ray technology with advanced computer algorithms to create the highest-quality cross-sectional images.
Unlike regular X-rays that capture images in just two dimensions, a CT scan offers a comprehensive view by assembling multiple slices into a three-dimensional representation.
How it Works
The process involves lying on a table that slides into a large, doughnut-shaped scanner. As the scanner rotates around you, it captures images from various angles, which are then processed by a computer to produce clear and detailed pictures of bones, organs, and tissues.
Where It’s Used
Doctors use CT scans to improve patient care while making the patient experience less invasive. CT scans are particularly useful for detecting musculoskeletal problems, pinpointing the location of tumours, identifying internal injuries, and guiding interventional procedures like biopsy, mammography, or surgery.
Types of CT Scans
There are several types of CT scans, each tailored to different needs. The main ones include:
- Standard CT Scan: This is your go-to radiology scan. It captures images of your body’s internal structures, like bones and organs, from various angles.
- CT Angiography: Specifically looks at blood vessels. It’s used for checking things like blockages or aneurysms in your coronary arteries.
- CT with Contrast: Sometimes, doctors need a clearer view. You might drink or get an injection of a contrast dye. This highlights areas like your digestive tract or blood vessels.
- High-resolution Chest CT: Offers a super detailed look at lung issues. Great for spotting infections, tumours, or lung diseases.
- CT Enterography: Focuses on your small intestine. It’s especially helpful for diagnosing conditions like Crohn’s disease.
- Dental CT: This includes Cone Beam CT (CBCT) and OPG (Orthopantomogram) CT Scan. They’re used to get a detailed view of your teeth, jawbone, and facial structure. It’s key for planning dental implants.
- Cardiac CT: Targets your heart. It assesses coronary artery disease, heart valve issues, and other heart problems.
- Head CT: Examines the brain. It’s crucial for diagnosing strokes, tumours, and head injuries.
- CT Bone Densitometry (BMD): Measures bone density, essential for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk. This type is particularly important for evaluating bone health, especially in women’s health care.
- PET/CT Scan: This type of nuclear medicine imaging procedure combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with CT scanning to provide detailed images of the body’s function and structure. It is especially valuable in oncology for detecting cancer, monitoring treatment response, and evaluating tissue metabolism.
How to arrange Out a CT Scan Online
Arranging a CT scan online is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting it done:
Step 1: Get a Referral
First up, you need a referral from a doctor. With Instant Consult, it won’t take more than a few clicks.
Start by downloading our app or heading to our website. Then sign up, or log in to your account if you already have one. Once your account is set up, click on the “Request a Consult” button on your dashboard and follow the prompts. One of our doctors will connect with you in 15 minutes or less.
During the video consultation, share your symptoms and other concerns with your doctor. If your doctor thinks a CT scan is necessary, they’ll issue a referral immediately after which will be sent to your patient inbox.
Step 2: Choose a Radiology Clinic
With your referral in hand, pick a radiology clinic that offers CT scans. Many clinics across Australia provide detailed information on their websites about the medical imaging services they offer. Also, Instant Consult referrals are issued by fully licensed AHPRA-accredited professionals so it’s valid wherever in the country.
Step 3: Book Your Appointment
Head to the clinic’s website or use their patient portal. Here, you can book your CT scan appointment. Some clinics might allow booking directly online, while others may ask you to fill out a form or contact them with your referral details.
Once your appointment is booked, you’ll receive instructions on how to prepare. This might include fasting or wearing comfortable clothing without metal fastenings. Show up for your CT scan at the scheduled time. Remember to bring your referral and any other requested documents.
Getting Your Results
After the scan, the images are analysed by radiologists and send the report back to your referring doctor. If your referral was provided by an Instant Consult doctor, your results will be sent directly to us. You can also ask for it to be sent to your regular GP if you prefer.
Once we get your results, we will inform you about it right away. We will notify you through SMS, email, or the app. After receiving our notice, you will need to book a follow-up consultation. This is where our doctors will explain your results and advise on your next steps.
If they deem you need medication, they can provide an online prescription. Or if your condition requires further testing to diagnose, they may request a pathology or radiology test. They may even refer you to a specialist or issue medical certificates if you need to take a break from work or school due to your illness.
So, if you need a CT scan referral quickly and without the hassle, book a consultation at Instant Consult today. It’s quick and easy, and you can do it all online. Don’t wait around for appointments. Get the care you need, when you need it, with Instant Consult.
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With Instant Consult, you can chat with a doctor and get help for a wide range of medical requests, all from the comfort of your home!
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Are you too ill to come into work and need to give your boss a medical certificate? With Instant Consult you can chat with a doctor and get a medical certificate sent directly to your app’s inbox, all without getting out of bed!
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If you need a new prescription or need to update an ongoing one then you can use our app to instantly chat to a doctor who can prepare your prescription promptly!
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Radiology
If you require any special kind of diagnostic imaging such as a CAT scan or an MRI you can get a request from one of our online GPs which you can then take to your preferred provider.
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