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Chest X-Ray Referral
Discuss your symptoms with an online GP to get your Chest X-Ray Referral on your phone in minutes, if suitable.
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What is a chest X-ray?
A chest X-ray is a simple, painless imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to capture pictures of your chest. It helps doctors to examine the lungs, heart, ribs, and large blood vessels for possible problems.
Why choose Hola Health?
| Feature | Hola Health | Local Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Wait Time | ~15 Mins | Days/Weeks |
| Travel | 100% Online | In-person |
| Cost | $39 | $50 – $90+ |
What symptoms may indicate the need for a chest X-ray?
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever with chest problems
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Unexplained weight loss with respiratory problems
When is a chest X-ray referral recommended?
- Possible tuberculosis (TB)
- Suspected lung infection, like pneumonia
- To check heart enlargement
- Before certain surgeries
- Monitoring chronic lung conditions, like asthma or COPD
- After a chest injury
- To investigate abnormal findings from other tests
What conditions can a chest X-ray help detect?
- Tuberculosis (TB)- A bacterial infection affecting the lungs
- Pneumonia- An infection causing fluid or inflammation in the lungs
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)- Long-term lung damage affecting airflow.
- Lung cancer- abnormal masses or growths in lung tissue.
- Heart enlargement (cardiomegaly)- An enlarged heart may suggest an underlying heart condition.
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)- Air trapped between the lung and chest wall.
- Rib fractures- Broken or cracked ribs.
- Pleural effusion- fluid build-up around the lungs.
What types of chest X-rays are available?
A chest X-ray can be taken from different angles to assess specific concerns.
- PA (Posteroanterior) view- Taken from back to front while standing (most common).
- AP (Anteroposterior) view- Taken from front to back, usually if the patient is unable to stand.
- Lateral view- Side view to give more detail.
- Portable chest X-ray- Done at the bedside in hospitals.
What does a chest X-ray show?
A chest X-ray shows the size, shape and position of your lungs, heart, and chest bones. It can identify infections, fluid buildup, tumours, fractures, or other abnormalities inside the chest.
What are the limitations?
- It may not always clearly show blood clots (a CT scan is usually better).
- Details are limited compared to CT or MRI
- It cannot always detect very small tumours or early-stage disease
- It uses low-dose radiation (usually safe, but not ideal in pregnancy unless necessary).
- A chest X-ray is a screening tool and may require follow-up testing (such as a CT scan or blood tests) for a definitive diagnosis.
How to prepare for a chest X-ray?
Usually, no special preparation is required, but these simple steps may help:
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Remove jewellery, glasses or metal objects
- For females: Inform the radiographer if you are pregnant
- Follow any specific instructions given by your doctor.
How to request your chest X-ray referral?
Complete online form
Fill out a quick health questionnaire, it takes minutes.
Video consult with a GP (within 15 Mins)
Connect with an Australian AHPRA-registered GP online.
Get referral instantly
If suitable, get your online chest X-ray referral via email to take to any collection centre.
What happens after your test?
Hola Health will text you when you’re online chest X-ray test results are in, including a link to book a $29 follow-up consult (35% off). To share your results with your GP, simply email support@hola.health
Telehealth referrals & consults are available to patients in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT, and ACT.
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Medical Disclaimer: Content reviewed by Dr Ammar Al-Ani. This is for information only, not a diagnosis. Your GP will provide specific medical guidance during your consultation.
