What is a radiographer and radiologists?

Many people are confused by the differences between a radiographer and a radiologist.

Radiologists and radiographers often work together. The radiographer takes your image or scan. The radiologist then looks at these images and summarises these results for your doctor.

Radiographers

Radiographers are medical imaging professionals. They get referrals from doctors to take scans and other medical images.

They may do:

• x-rays
• mammography
• CT scan (computed tomography)
• angiography
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• PET scan (positron emission tomography)

These images and scans help doctors to see inside your body.

Radiographers are allied health professionals.

Sonographers perform investigations on people using ultrasounds.

In Australia, a radiographer must complete a university degree. This includes supervised training in an approved hospital radiology department or private clinic.

Radiologists

A radiologist is a specialist medical doctor. Radiologists help other doctors to treat their patients.

Radiologists interpret medical imaging tests to diagnose conditions. They can also carry out treatments using:

• CT scans
• MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging)
• PET scans (positron emission tomography)
• ultrasound
• x-rays

After qualifying as a doctor, radiologists complete a specialist medical training program.

Learn more about becoming a radiologist on The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) website.

Interventional radiologists do even more training. They perform image-guided procedures inside your body. These may be used to treat cancer or treat blood vessel diseases.

Learn more about how a doctor can become an interventional radiologist.

Where do radiographers and radiologists work?

Radiographers and clinical radiologists work in:

• public hospitals
• private hospitals
• specialist clinics, such as cancer clinics

When do I see a radiographer or radiologist?

There are many reasons why your doctor may refer you for scans or images. Some common reasons are:

• to check for broken bones
• after a sport injury
• to investigate symptoms
• to see how well your treatment is working
• to help doctors see inside your body during a test — such as a biopsy

What questions should I ask a radiologist or radiographer?

The questions that you may want to ask depend on the reason you're having the scan.

You may want to ask:

• How long will the test take?
• Are there any risks linked to the test?
• Will the results be accurate?
• Will I need more tests?

Here are some more questions you can ask your doctor.

Your radiologist or radiographer will be happy to try and answer any questions you have.

Your report will be uploaded to My Health Record unless you have told your doctor that you don't want this to happen.

How do I find a radiographer or radiologist?

You can choose your own diagnostic imaging practice. Even if your referral is on a form for a specific service.

You may want to ask your doctor to recommend a radiology service, or use the healthdirect Service Finder to find a radiology service in your area.

The Australian federal government has a list of locations of MRI and PET units across Australia.

Do I need a referral for a radiographer or radiologist?

It's important to get a referral from your doctor or specialist. A referral is needed for Medicare and private health insurance to contribute to the cost of your care.

Your doctor will be told the results of your tests.

How much does it cost to see a radiographer or radiologist?

Medicare covers some diagnostic imaging services. However, you may have to pay for some tests.

Diagnostic imaging providers set their own fees. If they bulk bill your test, you won't have any costs.

Ask what your out-of-pocket costs will be before getting your scans or images.

Resources and support

For more information on radiographers and radiologists, please visit the InsideRadiology website.

Find MRI and PET unit locations in Australia.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.