Can a physio refer you for an MRI?

I was just with a patient the other day, and they asked me a great question

— “Can you, as a physio, actually send me for an MRI?”

It’s something we get asked all the time.

And I thought it was worth breaking down properly — because there’s a lot of confusion around when you can go through your physio and when it’s best to go through your GP.

Let’s break it down properly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTkacg-SgJ4

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1. Yes — Physios Can Refer for MRI Scans

In Australia, physiotherapists are legally allowed to refer for MRI scans.

That means if you come in with an injury and we believe imaging is clinically necessary, we can send you directly for an MRI — no need to head back to your GP first.

Simple.

But there’s an important detail most people don’t realise…

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2. The Key Difference: Cost

The biggest difference isn’t whether we can refer.

It’s Medicare coverage.

Some GP-referred MRIs are covered by Medicare — for example:

Acute knee injuries under age 50 (like suspected ACL or meniscus tears)

Certain serious spinal conditions

For everything else — ankle sprains, stress fractures, muscle tears — the cost is typically the same whether the referral comes from your GP or your physio.

So the real question isn’t who refers.

It’s whether Medicare applies.

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3. When We’ll Refer Back to Your GP

If you’ve got an acute ACL or meniscus injury and you’re under 50, we’ll usually send you back to your GP for the referral.

Why?

Because that pathway may allow Medicare to cover the scan — and we’d rather save you money where possible.

Our job isn’t just diagnosis.

It’s helping you navigate the system intelligently.

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 4. How We Decide If You Need an MRI

We don’t scan everyone who limps through the door.

An MRI is a tool — not a first step.

We:

• Assess thoroughly

• Perform specific clinical tests

• Evaluate your symptoms and history

• Decide whether imaging will actually change your treatment plan

Because here’s the truth:

Not every injury needs a scan.

And sometimes scans show “scary” findings that are completely normal and unrelated to your pain.

So we only refer when we genuinely need a clearer view of what’s happening beneath the surface.

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 5. Making MRI More Affordable: RibbonCare

At Thornton Physio, we use a service called RibbonCare, which helps our patients access bulk-billed MRIs for as little as $150.

Here’s how it works:

1. We assess your injury in clinic and provide a clinical referral to RibbonCare.

2. You’ll have a bulk-billed telehealth GP consult (based on our findings) who refers you to their in-house sports doctor.

3. That sports doctor can then refer you for a bulk-billed MRI — of any body part — including things like stress fractures that wouldn’t normally be covered by Medicare. As this is telehealth, they rely on our high-quality examination of you to ensure appropriate imaging.

4. After the scan, you’ll get a follow-up consult with that same sports physician, who’ll review your images and work directly with our physio team to fine-tune your treatment and rehab plan.

   
   

The result?

Faster access. Lower cost. Better collaboration.

No referral merry-go-round.

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 6. When to Chat With Us About MRI

If you’re unsure whether you need an MRI — or whether it would actually change your treatment — that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Sometimes reassurance and a clear rehab plan are more powerful than a scan.

Sometimes imaging is essential.

The key is knowing the difference.

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Ready to Fix Your Achilles?

If you’re injured and wondering whether you need an MRI — or if you just want a clear plan to get moving again — send us a message.

Your Personal Best, Our Priority.

Murray Leyland

Director, Thornton Physiotherapy

🎥 Didn’t catch the video earlier? Watch the video here.

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