2026 Guide to Bulk Billed Ultrasounds on the Gold Coast

Are bulk billed ultrasounds available on the Gold Coast, and how do you know if you’re eligible? The answer is yes, bulk billed ultrasounds are available at select clinics, including Capri Ultrasound, provided you have a valid referral and you have a Medicare card. In this guide, we’ll explain how bulk billing works, which scans are eligible, and what to look out for when booking your appointment in 2026.

What Are Bulk Billed Ultrasounds?

A bulk billed ultrasound is an imaging service that’s fully covered by Medicare. This means you won’t have to pay anything out of pocket, as long as:

• Your referral comes from an eligible healthcare provider (e.g. GP, specialist)
• You have a Medicare card
• The clinic offers bulk billing (not all do)

At Capri Ultrasound on the Gold Coast, we offer bulk billed ultrasounds for diagnostic scans, helping patients access high-quality imaging without financial stress.

To explore how ultrasound billing works under Medicare, see Services Australia’s official guidance on MBS billing for ultrasound services.

Why Choose Bulk Billed Ultrasounds in 2026?

With the cost of living rising, many Australians are looking to save on healthcare without compromising quality. Bulk billed ultrasounds are one of the easiest ways to do just that. 

Choosing a bulk billing provider means:

• No gap fees
• No surprise charges
• No upfront payment when you’re eligible

This makes a big difference, especially when you consider that many private ultrasound clinics in Queensland charge between $200 – $400 per scan, costs that are avoidable with the right provider.

What Types of Scans Can Be Bulk Billed?

At Capri Ultrasound, we provide a wide range of diagnostic ultrasound services, many of which are eligible for bulk billing, such as:

• General Ultrasound: Scans of the abdomen and urinary tract to assess the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, and bladder and prostate gland.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: These are used to assess joints, tendons, and soft tissue injuries. Common for shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, finger, hip, groin, knee, ankle and foot pain.
• Small Parts Ultrasound: Includes thyroid, scrotal, and soft tissue scans for lumps or swelling.
• Vascular Ultrasound: Used to assess blood flow and detect clots or narrowed vessels. Common vascular studies include:
  • Leg vein ultrasound (e.g. for varicose veins or DVT)
  • Carotid artery scans for stroke risk
  • Assessment of other arteries including aorta, renal, arm, leg and temporal arteries
• Urgent Ultrasounds: Scans for conditions like testicular torsion, appendicitis, or suspected DVT can be performed urgently, with Medicare billing available for Medicare card holders.

If you’re wondering, “are ultrasounds bulk billed?”, the answer is yes at Capri Ultrasound, as long as you hold a Medicare card. Bear in mind that we operate according to Medicare rules and referrals for multiple exams may have to be booked across more than one day if they are to be bulk-billed.

Who Can Refer You for a Bulk Billed Ultrasound?

To be eligible for bulk billed ultrasounds, you’ll need a referral from an approved healthcare provider. This includes:

• General Practitioners (GPs)
• Medical specialists
• Nurse practitioners (for certain scans only)
• Podiatrists (limited to foot/ankle scans)

Referrals from physiotherapists, chiropractors, or osteopaths are not accepted by Medicare for ultrasound rebates. In these cases, you can still book, but private billing will apply or you can consult a local or online doctor to obtain a referral for bulk-billing. Capri Ultrasound accepts all valid referrals, regardless of which clinic or doctor they come from. 

Can You Have Multiple Bulk Billed Ultrasounds in One Appointment?

It depends. Medicare has specific rules about which scans can be claimed on the same day. Some combinations are not allowed, which many private clinics overlook, leaving patients with unexpected fees.

For example:

• Abdominal and renal scans need to be performed on separate days to be eligible for rebates.
• Bilateral limb scans (e.g. both knees) attract a significantly reduced rebate for the second scan.

At Capri Ultrasound, we follow Medicare’s guidelines closely. We’ll let you know if your scans need to be booked separately to ensure they are fully bulk billed.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To ensure your scan is eligible for bulk billing, bring the following:

• Your valid Medicare card
• A current referral from an eligible provider
• Any previous imaging or reports (if available)

We recommend arriving 10 minutes early so our staff can review your documents and answer any questions.

Why Capri Ultrasound Is Different

While many clinics advertise affordable imaging, they often charge gap fees, even when a scan is technically eligible for bulk billing. Capri Ultrasound does things differently.

Why patients choose us:

• Full bulk billing for Medicare card holders
• No gap fees, no hidden charges
• Experienced sonographer across MSK, vascular, general, small parts and urgent scans
• Locally owned clinic on the Isle of Capri, Gold Coast
• Quick appointments and flexible booking

We believe diagnostic imaging should be accessible, ethical, and transparent. We take the time to explain Medicare rules to patients, not exploit them.

Book Your Bulk Billed Ultrasound Today

If you’ve been searching for ‘ultrasound clinic near me’ or ‘ultrasound bulk billing near me’, look no further. At Capri Ultrasound, we’re committed to providing clear answers, fast appointments, and bulk billed ultrasounds for eligible patients.

📞 Call now or book online to secure your scan.
✅ No gap. No surprises. Just expert imaging you can trust.