Gladstone X-ray and Ultrasound offers a range of services, including :
1. Plain X-ray Imaging
2. OPG
3. Cephalometry
4. Ultrasound Imaging
5. Echoes or Cardiac Ultrasound
6. Bone Mineral Densitometry
Ruth completed her adult Echocardiography training
at the Wesley hospital in Brisbane and continued to develop both her
paediatric and
adult echo skills at the Wesley hospital for thirteen years, five
of those years as chief cardiac scientist. The past three years have
seen Ruth move to the Mater Children's Hospital where she is advancing
her paediatric knowledge and scanning techniques.
Ruth also began her own Educational business in 2008 providing training
for junior echo-cardiographers in Brisbane and regional Queensland
(Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay and the gold coast). Ruth enjoys
teaching and lecturing at local and national forums.
Ruth holds current ASAR accreditation and DMU (cardiac).
What is an X-ray?
X-rays are very short wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate any part of the body to produce an image of bones and internal organs. X-ray images are tools used by physicians and practitioners to confirm a diagnosis or a clinical finding such as a fracture of an arm or to look at the heart size.
What is a plain or general X-Ray?
General x-rays include evaluation of the chest, spine, skull, extremities, hips and pelvis and abdomen. General x-ray is often used to evaluate suspected fracture, or other indications of injury or abnormality. Most x-ray examinations consist of at least two views of a body part at right angles to one another. Due to potential radiation exposure only the patient and a supporting relative or carer are permitted in the x-ray room. If there is another person in the room other than the patient, this person must follow any directions the Technologist gives while the examination is in progress.
Is there any preparation for a plain X-ray?
No
Remember to inform the technologist there is a possibility that you could be pregnant prior to having any type of X-ray examination.
How much will my X-ray cost?
All patients with a Pension Card, a Health Card or a Referral from any Public Hospital is BULK BILLED.
2. OPG
An OPG which stands for ORTHOPANTOGRAM, is an X-ray which gives a panoramic view of the mandible or jaw, and teeth. It is performed using a technique called "tomography". The X-ray tube moves around the head, the X-ray film moves in the opposite direction behind your head. This generates an image slice where the mandible and teeth are in focus, and the other structures are blurred.
Is there any preparation for an OPG?
No. We will ask you to remove any metal or plastic jewellery from your head and neck where possible, just prior to this examination.
How much will my OPG cost?
3. Cephalometry
What is cephalometry?
It is the measurement of the skull or bones of the head and face, in order to study its growth and relative size to surrounding anatomical structure. This can be performed in 2 planes which are 90 degrees to each other. This X-ray is often performed with an OPG.
Is there any preparation for a Cephalogram?
No. We will ask you to remove any metal or plastic jewellery from your head and neck where possible, just prior to this examination.
How much will my Cephalometry cost?
All patients with a Pension Card, a Health Card or a Referral from any Public Hospital is BULK BILLED.
4. Ultrasound Imaging
What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves like sonar to create sill frame and moving pictures of internal organs and other structures. Because sound waves are used instead of radiation, you will feel little or no discomfort. Ultrasound imaging (also called sonography) is a relatively inexpensive, fast and radiation-free imaging modality. It is excellent for non-invasive imaging of a number of organs and diagnosis for various conditions.
Usually you associate ultrasound with pregnancy. However it is helpful in the detection, diagnosis and the monitoring of a number of potential problems, including :
* Abdominal Disorders
* Vascular Disorders
* Cancer
* Pelvic Disorders
* Prenatal Disorders
Ultrasound can also monitor the progress of known pathology and also be used to exclude pathology that can be seen with the naked eye (i.e. not microscopic).
Is there any preparation for an Ultrasound?
It depends on the region of the body being examined. Our staff will let you know when you make an enquiry or an appointment. It is also found on the back of the Gladstone Xray and Ultrasound's Referral Form.
All patients with a Pension Card, Health Care Card, a Referral from a Public Hospital, or having an Echo or Heart Ultrasound - are BULK BILLED.
All other patients pay a gap fee between $40 and up to $60 only. We ask that you pay the full amount on the day and then you can claim most of this back from Medicare.
5. Echoes or Cardiac Ultrasound
What is an echocardiogram or Echo?
Is is non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to study the structure and motion of the heart using varying approaches through the chest wall. This test uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart; much more detailed than X-ray images and involves no radiation exposure.
Is there any preparation for an Echo?
No. However it would be ideal if you wear separates on the day - that is a shirt and pants/skirt.
How much will my Echo cost?
All Echo examinations are BULK BILLED. You must present with your Doctor's referral and you Medicare Card on the day of your examination. Your signature on a Medicare form is required after the test. You do not need any money on the day.
6. Bone Mineral Densitometry
Who does osteoporosis effect?
Major sufferers are up to ONE in TWO WOMEN and ONE in THREE MEN, particularly if you are over 60 years old.
What does osteoporosis involve?
Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium, causing reduced bone mass and deteriorating bone microstructure, causing the affected bone to become fragile and more likely to break.
Osteoporosis can also cause debilitating pain and curvature of the spine.
Getting a Bone Mineral Densitometry will effectively establish the presence of this condition and give insight into how much damage has been done.
What is BULK BILLING?
As long as you have a Medicare card or your
country of origin has a reciprocal agreement with Australia to obtain free
medical treatment as a public patient, you are eligible for BULK BILLING
when it is offered. You don not have to have any money on the day
of the examination. Just provide a signature on a Medicare form verifying
that you had a particular examination on a particular day.
Non - Medicare Patients