How much does an ultrasound cost?
An ultrasound is a scan that creates internal images of the body using high-frequency sound waves, and the cost of an ultrasound can vary depending on which type you need. To give you an idea, one of the most common ultrasound procedures is a scan of the pelvis or abdomen of a pregnant patient at less than 12 weeks gestation. Ultrasound cost for this scan is usually around $175 when requested by a practitioner or $60 when done during the course of a regular consultation, according to the Federal Government’s Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
These costs don't take into account the Medicare benefit, usually around $55 when the ultrasound is requested by a practitioner, and $32 when performed as part of a regular consultation. This means a non-bulk billing patient would generally have an out-of-pocket cost of about $120 for a requested scan and $28 for a non-requested one.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing notes that these costs are only a guide and should not be used as a quote.
Other general ultrasound procedures and their costs
Ultrasound | MBS | Typical | Medicare | Expected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Scan of the abdomen, | 55036 | $212 | $102 | $110 |
Scan of the pelvis | 55065 | $216 | $90 | $125 |
Scan of one breast | 55070 | $208 | $90 | $120 |
Scan of the bladder | 55084 | $100 | $90 | $20 |
Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Medical Costs Finder.
The out-of-pocket cost will largely depend on the type of scan you’re getting, the health professional’s fees and whether you’re a bulk billing patient (have all costs covered by Medicare) or a non-bulk billing patient claiming the Medicare benefit.
Before having an ultrasound, check the cost and whether you’ll be eligible for a Medicare rebate with your doctor or healthcare professional. If your provider chooses to bulk bill, you won’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket.
How much does a pregnancy ultrasound cost?
For obstetric ultrasounds, the cost will also be influenced by how many weeks pregnant, as well as if you’re expecting more than one fetus—for example, a scan of twins or triplets may cost extra, depending on the clinic.
Whether you’re better off getting a requested or non-requested ultrasound will depend on your own healthcare needs and pregnancy treatment plan.
Obstetrics specific ultrasound costs
Time period | MBS | Typical | Medicare | Expected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Less than 12 weeks | 55700 | $175 | $55 | $120 |
Less than 12 weeks | 55703 | $60 | $32 | $28 |
Between 12 and 16 weeks | 55704 | $250 | $64 | $186 |
Between 12 and 16 weeks | 55705 | $75 | $32 | $43 |
Between 17 and 22 weeks | 55706 | $290 | $92 | $198 |
Between 17 and 22 weeks | 55709 | $175 | $35 | $140 |
After 22 weeks | 55721 | $260 | $106 | $154 |
Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Medical Costs Finder.
How many ultrasounds do you need for pregnancy?
According to the Victorian State Government’s Better Health Channel, pregnant women will typically be referred for three routine ultrasounds, one during the first, second and third trimesters of their pregnancy. These procedures will check the baby’s development and help to spot any abnormalities. They can also often determine the baby’s sex, should the parents wish to know.
Are ultrasounds covered by Medicare in Australia?
Medicare can cover ultrasounds for eligible services, but there could be out-of-pocket costs. The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) lists all the medical services that are subsidised by the Federal Government. This includes certain ultrasound services, and specifically includes obstetric and gynaecological ultrasounds, as well as general, cardiac, vascular, urological and musculoskeletal ones.
Does private health insurance cover ultrasounds?
By law, private health insurance does not provide cover for out-of-hospital diagnostic imaging and tests, such as ultrasounds. If you’re planning a pregnancy, though, then private health insurance can potentially help to cover certain hospital-related costs.
For example, insurance providers may pay benefits towards private obstetrics and hospital accommodation if you have a Gold tier hospital policy or Silver Plus policy that includes obstetrics. This may be beneficial if you would rather be a private patient and potentially have your choice of health professional/s and your own private room while in hospital (depending on availability).
Bear in mind that all health funds have a 12-month waiting period for obstetric services. This waiting period must be served before you’re admitted to hospital. This means you’ll need to take out a new policy or change your current one at least three months before you plan to get pregnant.
Out-of-pocket expenses and terms and conditions can apply. Read the Private Health Information Statement (PHIS) to find out more about a private health insurance policy or contact the health insurance provider directly.
What are the risks of having an ultrasound?
Ultrasounds are generally considered safe, when compared to other forms of medical imaging (e.g. X-rays and CT scans) as they do not expose you to ionising radiation. Your doctor should advise you if an ultrasound is unsafe for your particular medical needs.
Do I have to prepare for an ultrasound?
Your healthcare professional should advise you if there’s any preparation required before undertaking your ultrasound. In certain circumstances, you may be asked to avoid eating, drinking or chewing anything before your appointment or you may be asked to have a full or partially full bladder in some cases.
What happens during an ultrasound?
You’ll generally be asked to lie down or sit before your scan commences. The area of interest will be exposed and gel will be applied to it by your ultrasound technologist (also known as a sonographer). They’ll then place the transducer on the area, which will send a moving image instantly to a monitor screen. The sonographer will then move the transducer around the area, taking notes of what they see on the screen. After the ultrasound finishes, they’ll usually send your results to your referring doctor.
How long does an ultrasound take?
A typical ultrasound will take around 30 minutes, according to the I-MED Radiology Network. It may take longer than this depending on the detail required and the number and size of the organ/s being examined.
