Vascular Duplex Ultrasound is the gold standard non-invasive test for the investigation of vascular disease. The ultrasound scanner uses ultra-high frequency sound waves above the human hearing range to view the internal organs of the body. Unlike many other imaging tests, Duplex Ultrasound does not use or emit radiation. The scan is a painless and non-invasive procedure, which typically takes approximately 60 minutes to perform.
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Ultrasound Frequently Asked Questions
At Vascular Imaging Centre a specially trained Vascular Sonographer performs each scan. Your sonographer will ask you some questions about your medical history to thoroughly understand your overall health.
Most ultrasound scans do not require any preparation. For Abdominal or lower limb arterial (Not Venous – Varicose Veins) scans we request you fast for 6 hours. In this case, a morning appointment will be scheduled for you. If you are diabetic, we ask you to abstain from taking your diabetic medication and to bring it in with you along with some breakfast that you can consume after your scan. Other normal medications can be taken with a sip of water.
If you’re still unsure if you should fast or withhold any medication, please call and we will advise on the best course of action.
You do not need to fast for a lower limb venous duplex ultrasound unless we advise otherwise. You do need to fast for a pelvic venous scan (e.g. for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome). If you are unsure, please call the office.
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your scan. You may be asked to remove some items of clothing and jewellery and wear a gown during the procedure.
Throughout your procedure you will be in constant communication with your sonographer who will ensure you are comfortable and kept up-to-date with the progress of your scan. A medical doctor specialized in interpreting medical images for the purposes of providing a diagnosis will review your images and provide a formal written report to your referring doctor, usually within 24 hours. Vascular Imaging Centre will also retain a copy of your scan in strict confidence.
Medicare covers each ultrasound performed at Vascular Imaging Centre, though the rebate amount depends on the item number and if you are at your Medicare Safety Net Threshold. Reception staff can advise you on the rebate amount from Medicare and all out of pocket expenses.
Health Funds, by Law, cover only in hospital investigations and procedures.
A medical doctor specialized in interpreting medical images will review your image and provide a formal written report to your referring doctor, usually within 2-4 days via Australia Post.
It is at the discretion of the specialist at Vascular Imaging Centre if you are able to obtain your report and worksheet.
Yes, Medicare requires a referral from either a General Practitioner or a Specialist to have an ultrasound.
Yes, you can still have the scan. Though you will not receive a rebate from Medicare or Health Fund.
We recommended the removal of compression just prior to your ultrasound appointment, unless you are experiencing signs of severe venous disease, such as pain and/or ulceration. Please call reception if you wish to clarify. This is not necessary for any other ultrasound appointments.
The ultrasound will be performed at Vascular Imaging Centre within 21 Burwood Road, Hawthorn 3122, Phone: 9429 4111.
ADDRESS: Level 1, 21 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122
We are located across the street from Epworth Hawthorn. Parking is available at the rear end of the building.
Hawthorn Train station is located across the road (Belgrave, Lilydale and Alamein Lines).
There is also a Tram Stop situated nearby. Route 75, Stop 25 (St James Park) along Burwood Road.
We require patients to fill in a registration form prior to their appointment. This can be printed from our website by accessing “Patient Information” and “Registration Form”. You may contact the office to get the forms posted to you. Alternately, please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment and complete the form in the waiting area.
To ensure all appointments are running on time, we ask that all patients ideally please fill in and return their forms prior to their appointment. If you are not able to email or post the form back, please arrive 15 minutes early.
