Ultrasound-guided injections · Pakenham
Interventional procedures
At a glance
- Referral
- NeededBring it, upload a photo when you book, or ask your doctor to send it electronically
- Fee
- $230 per injectionFlat rate, non-rebateable, paid on the day
- Preparation
- Bring a driverDon't drive for 2 to 4 hours afterwards
Overview
Treatment guided
by ultrasound.
We perform ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections. The radiologist uses real-time ultrasound to see inside the body and guide the needle precisely to the area your doctor has asked us to treat.
These are the only interventional procedures we offer. We don't perform biopsies, drainage, fine needle aspiration (FNA) or CT-guided spinal injections.
Please note
Please note the fee
There is a fee of $230 per injection. It's a flat rate and non-rebateable (no Medicare rebate is available), and it's paid on the day of your procedure.
Procedures
Procedures we perform.
Your referral will say which injection your doctor has requested.
- (01)
Corticosteroid injections
Cortisone injected into a joint or the soft tissue around it, such as the hip or shoulder.
- (02)
Guided by ultrasound
Real-time ultrasound lets the radiologist place the needle precisely, with no radiation.
- (03)
Not offered
Biopsies, drainage, fine needle aspiration (FNA) and CT-guided spinal injections.
$230 per injectionBring a driver
Preparation
Before your procedure.
A little planning makes the day easy. Our team will run through these with you when you book.
Plan ahead
Before your procedure
- (01)
Driver
Arrange someone to drive you home. You'll need a driver for 2 to 4 hours after your appointment.
- (02)
Blood thinners
Tell us when you book if you take blood thinners, and we'll advise you what to do.
- (03)
Recent scans
Let us know if you've had an ultrasound of the area in the last three months (at GIG or elsewhere), and when.
- (04)
Fee
Each injection is $230 (flat rate), paid on the day. There is no Medicare rebate available.
- (05)
Referral
Bring your referral with you.
On the day
What happens on the day.
Step 1: Before you come
Arrange your driver, bring your referral, and let us know about any blood thinners.
Step 2: Your procedure
The radiologist uses ultrasound to guide the needle, and a local anaesthetic is used at the injection site.
Step 3: Afterwards
Rest the injection site for 2 to 4 hours, don't drive, and avoid heavy lifting for 24 hours.
After your procedure
Aftercare.
Keep these in mind for the rest of the day, or download the aftercare card to keep handy.
Aftercare card (PDF), 72 KB, opens in a new tab- (01)Avoid driving for 2 to 4 hours.
- (02)Let the injection site rest for 2 to 4 hours.
- (03)No heavy lifting for 24 hours.
- (04)It's normal to have some pain after the local anaesthetic wears off.
- (05)Panadol can be used for pain relief if needed.
- (06)See your GP if pain persists for more than 24 hours.
Good to know
Your questions,
answered.
(01)How much does it cost?
There is a fee of $230 per injection. It's a flat rate and non-rebateable (no Medicare rebate is available), and it's paid on the day of your procedure.
(02)Can I drive home afterwards?
No. Please arrange a driver, and avoid driving for 2 to 4 hours after your procedure.
(03)Will it hurt afterwards?
It's normal to have some pain after the local anaesthetic wears off. Panadol can be used for pain relief if needed. See your GP if the pain persists for more than 24 hours.
(04)Should I keep taking my blood thinners?
Tell us when you book if you take blood thinners, and we'll advise you what to do.
(05)Where are injections performed?
Ultrasound-guided injections are offered at our Pakenham clinic, 23 John Street, Pakenham.
(06)Do you do biopsies or CT-guided spinal injections?
No. We only perform ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections. We don't offer biopsies, drainage, fine needle aspiration (FNA) or CT-guided spinal (lumbar) injections, so please check with your doctor if your referral asks for one of these.
You might
also need.
Not sure which scan you need? Your referral will say, or you can browse all our services.
Next step
Book your procedure.
Request a time online with a photo of your referral, or call our Pakenham team. Remember to arrange a driver.
Prefer to call? Pakenham (03) 5941 7812