CT — fast facts

Computed Tomography. X-ray with computer processing to produce 2D and 3D cross-sectional images. Highest radiation dose of all routine diagnostic modalities — referrer must justify.

Key facts

• Length: Varies by exam; appointment time is preset in the RIS
• Booking: Appointment required for all CT — no walk-ins. Urgent indications get same-day booking
• Radiation: Highest routine dose; "as low as reasonably achievable"
• Paediatrics (<16): CT is not preferred — discuss with radiologist/MIT before booking, often substituted with MRI or US

Common indications

• Cancer diagnosis and staging
• Trauma / injury
• Vascular disease (angiography)
• Surgical / interventional planning

Referral requirements

• Patient ID (name, DOB, address), referrer ID (name + provider number), body region + clinical indication, date
• Written, electronic or verbal (where permitted) — must be legible
• GPs, consultants and specialists only. No NR (non-referred) CT examinations
• Some angio/specialist items require specialist referral or a note that GP has discussed with specialist

Safety — contrast & renal function

IV contrast contraindications — flag to radiographer

• ☐Iodine allergy or previous CT contrast reaction
• ☐Low renal function (eGFR <30 ml/min)
• ☐Patients on Metformin (diabetic medication)

All patients complete the CT Questionnaire before scan. Always ask women of childbearing age about pregnancy.

Patient prep

Patient prep

• •1 hr fast before appointment (not required if URGENT, or for spine/extremities/HRCT/KUB/pelvimetry)
• •Remove all jewellery, false teeth, hearing aids
• •Contrast studies: book in a Contrast appointment slot
• •Abdo/pelvis: oral contrast — 1 glass every 20 min starting 45 min before (save last glass for scan room); site dependent
• •Non-contrast Brain unless specifically requested as Angio

Billing quick rules

• If contrast performed, bill the contrast item only — never both
• Combined regions (e.g. Chest + Abdo + Pelvis) must use the relevant combo item, not individual items
• Angio items cannot be performed same day as another CT
• Facial Bones + Brain contrast (56036) requires abnormality on the non-contrast scan
• Lower/Upper Limb items include the whole limb, both sides — cannot combine with Knee; NFC/NCBA not applicable

MBS codes (common)

See the full MBS codes page for eligibility logic — don't promise bulk-billing on the phone.