Description
A radiologist is a medical professional who specialises in using medical imaging technologies to diagnose and treat injury and disease.
Diagnostic radiologists use medical imaging techniques to diagnose a disease or condition. Interventional radiologists use medical imaging techniques to diagnose and treat disease. Therapeutic radiologists (known as radiation oncologists) use radiation to treat diseases such as cancer.
Services provided
- Assessing which medical imaging technique is the best one to use to answer the medical question at hand
- If more than one technique is required, assessing the best order in which to perform different medical imaging examinations
- Interpreting medical images produced by X-ray radiology, computerised tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and nuclear medicine imaging in order to make a diagnosis
- Reporting the results of tests to the doctor who referred you
- Interventional radiology – using X-ray, MRI or ultrasound images during medical procedures, as a guide
- Radiation therapy
Eligibility
You need a referral from a doctor to see a radiologist.
How to access
Ask your doctor about how to make an appointment with your radiologist.
Costs
Radiologist services may be partly or fully covered by Medicare.
Radiologist fees are covered by some private health funds, but the amount will depend on your insurance policy. Contact your insurer for more information.
Profile
Sector
Conventional healthcareRegulation
Regulated by Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA).Registration
Radiologists must be registered through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists. Radiologists must be registered through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), with the Medical Board of Australia.Minimum qualifications
The minimum education requirement for a radiologist is Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.Complaints
- Health Complaints , Complaints and Information, call 1300 582 113
- Better Health Channel - Complaints about health services
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation (AHPRA) in your state, call 1300 419 495 (You can check if your radiologist is registered)