Breast Ultrasound at Pimpama: What to Expect and Why Your GP May Request One If your GP has referred you for a breast ultrasound, you might have questions about what the scan involves, why it’s been requested, and what happens next. At Radiant Radiology’s Women’s Imaging Centre in Pimpama, breast ultrasound is performed in a private, purpose-built environment designed around comfort and clear communication, for patients across Pimpama, Coomera, Upper Coomera, Hope Island and the northern Gold Coast. This guide explains what breast ultrasound involves, when it’s typically used, and how to prepare for your appointment. What Is a Breast Ultrasound? A breast ultrasound is a radiation-free imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of breast tissue. It’s often used alongside or following a mammogram, and may be requested to assess a specific area of concern, such as a lump, pain, or a change noticed by you or your GP. Breast ultrasound is performed by our team at the Pimpama Women’s Imaging Centre, a dedicated space within our Pimpama clinic designed specifically for women’s imaging. Why Might Your GP Request One? There are several reasons a GP might refer you for a breast ultrasound, including: Investigating a lump or area of thickening Assessing breast pain or changes in sensation Following up on a finding from a mammogram Monitoring a previously identified area over time Your GP will discuss the specific reason for your referral and what they’re hoping the scan will show. A breast ultrasound doesn’t diagnose a condition on its own, results are reviewed by our radiologists and reported back to your GP, who will discuss next steps with you. What to Expect During Your Appointment Breast ultrasound is generally a straightforward, non-invasive scan. You’ll be positioned comfortably, and a small handheld device (transducer) is moved gently over the area being examined, using a small amount of gel to help create clear images. Most appointments take around 15–30 minutes, depending on what’s being assessed. Our team understands that appointments like this can bring up some nervousness, particularly if you’re unsure what the scan might show. We aim to keep the environment calm and private, and our staff are happy to explain each step as it happens if that helps you feel more at ease. If Further Assessment Is Needed In some cases, your GP or radiologist may recommend a more detailed breast diagnostic assessment, or in limited cases, an ultrasound-guided procedure such as a fine needle sample or core biopsy. These are only performed when clinically appropriate, under the guidance of our radiologists, and every step is explained clearly beforehand. A Private, Purpose-Built Space The Women’s Imaging Centre at Pimpama was established to give women’s imaging its own dedicated environment, separate from general imaging services, with an emphasis on privacy, comfort and a calm patient experience from the moment you arrive. Booking Your Breast Ultrasound at Pimpama If your GP has referred you for a breast ultrasound, our team at the Pimpama Women’s Imaging Centre can help you find a suitable appointment time and answer any questions beforehand. Contact us to book, or to ask what to expect on the day. This is general information only. Please speak with your GP or referring clinician for advice specific to your situation.

MRI at Ormeau: What to Expect, Costs and Access for Gold Coast and Logan Patients If your GP or specialist has referred you for an MRI scan, it’s natural to have questions, what actually happens during the scan, how much it costs, and where you can get it done close to home. For patients across Ormeau, Pimpama, Yatala, Beenleigh, Logan and the northern Gold Coast, Radiant Radiology’s Ormeau clinic is the local option for MRI, offering advanced imaging without the need to travel into Brisbane or a major hospital. This guide walks through what an MRI involves, how to prepare, and what to check on cost and access, so you can feel informed and comfortable before your appointment. What Is an MRI Scan? MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not radiation, to produce detailed images of soft tissue, joints, organs and the nervous system. It’s often used to investigate musculoskeletal injuries, neurological symptoms, abdominal concerns and other conditions where soft tissue detail matters. Your doctor will determine whether MRI, or another type of imaging such as CT or ultrasound, is the most appropriate test for your situation. Within the Radiant Radiology network, MRI is available exclusively at our Ormeau clinic, supporting patients from across the northern Gold Coast and Logan region. What to Expect During Your MRI An MRI scan typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the area being imaged. You’ll lie on a padded table that moves into the scanner, and the machine will make a clunking or knocking noise throughout, ear protection is provided. Some scans may require a contrast injection to improve image clarity; your radiographer will explain this beforehand if it applies to you. Our team at Ormeau is on hand throughout your visit to explain each step, answer questions, and help you feel at ease, particularly if you’re feeling anxious about the enclosed scanner or unsure what to expect. If you have any metal implants, a pacemaker, or concerns about claustrophobia, let our team know when you book so we can prepare appropriately. MRI Costs and Medicare Access MRI services may be bulk billed where eligible, depending on your Medicare referral and the type of scan requested. Because eligibility varies by scan type and referral details, we recommend contacting our Ormeau clinic directly to confirm what applies to your specific referral before your appointment, this helps avoid any surprises around cost. Getting to Radiant Radiology Ormeau Our Ormeau clinic is located within Interciti, 270 Lahrs Road, Ormeau, making it a convenient MRI option for patients travelling from Pimpama, Yatala, Beenleigh, Coomera and across the Logan region. As the only MRI location in the Radiant Radiology network, Ormeau is set up specifically to support advanced imaging referrals from GPs, specialists and allied health providers across the area. Common Questions Before Your Scan Do I need a referral? Yes, MRI scans require a referral from your GP or specialist, who will advise if MRI is the right test for your symptoms. What if I have a fear of enclosed spaces?  Let our team know in advance. We’re happy to talk through the process beforehand so you know what to expect. Will I need contrast? Not always, this depends on what your doctor is investigating. Our radiographers will confirm this with you on the day. Yes, MRI scans require a referral from your GP or specialist, who will advise if MRI is the right test for your symptoms.  Let our team know in advance. We’re happy to talk through the process beforehand so you know what to expect. Not always, this depends on what your doctor is investigating. Our radiographers will confirm this with you on the day. Booking Your MRI at Ormeau If you have a referral for an MRI, our team at Radiant Radiology Ormeau can help you book a time, confirm any preparation steps, and answer questions about your scan or Medicare eligibility. Contact us to arrange your appointment or ask about availability.