News

Direct billing now available at Synergy Radiology for select Overseas Student and Visitor Cover Insurance Providers*

At Synergy Radiology, we are committed to providing accessible and high-quality medical imaging services to all our patients, including international students and visitors. We are pleased to announce that we now accept Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for select health insurance providers.

What This Means for You:

If you hold an eligible OSHC policy with NIB, Allianz, AHM, or Medibank, OR an eligible OVHC policy with NIB  (incl. GU Health and iMAN) or Allianz, you can now access radiology services at Synergy Radiology under your insurance plan.*

These updates reinforce our team’s commitment to providing a seamless experience for international students and visitors, making it easier for patients to access the medical imaging services they need.

How to Book an Appointment

Booking an appointment is simple. Click “Book Online” and follow the prompts to schedule your radiology service at one of our conveniently located Synergy Radiology sites.

For more information about our services and accepted insurance policies, please “contact” our friendly team today.

* exceptions apply; for eligible insurance policies only

Protect Your Heart with Advanced Cardiac Imaging at Synergy Radiology

The Hidden Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is a major health concern and can affect anyone. However, if you’re over 45, your risk significantly increases. Several factors contribute to this, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, smoking, and excess weight. In Australia, one in three adults experiences high blood pressure, a key contributor to cardiovascular issues1. Smoking remains prevalent and doubles the risk of heart disease. Additionally, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits further elevate the risk.

A family history of heart problems can also increase your likelihood of developing heart disease. Understanding these risks allows for proactive measures to protect your health. According to the 2022 National Health Survey, approximately 1.3 million Australian adults (6.7% of the population) were living with cardiovascular conditions, including 600,000 adults (3%) affected by coronary heart disease1.

Men are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases than women, with rates of 7.6% compared to 5.8%. The likelihood of developing heart-related conditions rises with age, impacting 1 in 4 adults aged 75 and older2.

In 2024, cardiovascular diseases accounted for nearly 12% of the overall disease burden in Australia, ranking as the fourth most significant health issue2. Among men, coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of health complications, while for women, it ranks seventh.

Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Heart

While some risk factors cannot be changed, making small lifestyle adjustments can greatly benefit heart health.

  1. Follow a Nutritious Diet: Incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals while cutting back on foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Opt for steaming or grilling rather than frying.
  2. Keep Active: Engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, helps regulate weight and reduce blood pressure.
  3. Stop Smoking: Tobacco use severely damages the cardiovascular system. Quitting smoking is one of the best steps to improve heart health.
  4. Control Alcohol Consumption: Drinking excessively can contribute to high blood pressure and weight gain. Limiting alcohol intake supports overall well-being.
  5. Prioritise Sleep: Poor sleep can contribute to stress and increase heart-related risks. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.
  6. Visit Your GP for Regular Heart Health Checks: Routine check-ups can help detect early signs of heart disease and provide guidance on maintaining heart health.

The Importance of Heart Health Assessments After 45

A Heart Health Check conducted by your GP assesses your risk of heart disease and provides guidance on preventive steps. Many individuals are unaware of their risk, especially as conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol often present no symptoms.

Who Should Get a Heart Health Check3?

  • Adults aged 45–79
  • Individuals with diabetes from age 35
  • First Nations people from age 30

If you do not already have a diagnosed heart condition, consider speaking with your GP about scheduling a Heart Health Check.

Cutting-Edge Cardiac Imaging for Early Detection

Doctors may recommend cardiac imaging to assess or monitor heart conditions. At Synergy Radiology, we provide advanced, low-dose imaging services to support accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA)

A high-resolution CT scan visualises the coronary arteries, helping detect blockages that might be causing symptoms like chest discomfort. You can read more here. 

Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

This test measures blood flow to the heart muscle at rest and under stress, determining whether the heart receives adequate oxygen.

Why Choose Synergy Radiology for Cardiac Imaging?

At Synergy Radiology, we utilise state-of-the-art cardiac imaging technology, ensuring exceptional image quality and rapid results for heart diagnostics.

Our experienced team of radiologists is dedicated to providing you with high-clarity, low-dose, CT imaging services available. With convenient locations across the Hills, East and Inner West, we ensure exceptional care for our patients.

If you need quality cardiac imaging, please contact (02) 8881 3888.

References:

  1. AIHW, Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts, 2024, https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/61010c29-cd66-46c7-9d7d-de590c0c7788/heart-stroke-and-vascular-disease-australian-facts.pdf?v=20250108111512&inline=true
  2. HeartFoundation Australia, 2024, Statistics and information on coronary heart disease in Australia, https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/evidence-and-statistics/coronary-heart-disease-key-stats
  3. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 2023, Heart Health, https://www.health.gov.au/news/heart-health

BULK BILLED Mammograms: Early Detection Saves Lives – Talk to Your GP for a Referral Today!

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At Synergy Radiology, your health is our priority. That’s why we offer fully bulk billed mammograms for patients with a valid Medicare card, where the clinical indication meets the required Medicare criteria for a rebate. Breast health is essential, and we’re here to make sure cost isn’t a barrier to getting the care you need.

Please note: Medicare does not cover screening mammography.

Why Mammograms Matter

Breast cancer affects thousands of Australians every year. Early detection through mammograms remains one of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early, significantly improving survival rates. This is especially important during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, when we encourage all women to take action for their health.

Alarming Statistics

  • 58 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer each day—more than 21,000 new cases annually.
  • Despite advances in treatment, 9 Australians die daily from this disease.
  • When breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%.

Mammograms can identify cancer before it shows any symptoms, giving you a better chance of a full recovery.

Bulk Billed Mammograms at Synergy Radiology

If you meet the Medicare criteria, our mammogram services are fully bulk billed at Synergy Radiology, meaning no out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic mammograms. Just ask your GP for a referral today!

How to Book

  • Talk to your GP about getting a referral for a bulk billed mammogram at Synergy Radiology.
  • Once you have a referral, contact us to schedule your appointment.

Don’t wait—early detection saves lives. Make your health a priority this Breast Cancer Awareness Month and book your mammogram today.

Contact Synergy Radiology to schedule your mammogram, or ask your GP for a referral.

 

Important Update: We are moving from Medinexus to InteleConnect

We are moving from Medinexus to InteleConnect

We are discontinuing MEDINEXUS and will now streamline all referrer image access via InteleConnect.

To ensure uninterrupted service, please apply for an InteleConnect login by completing our Referrer Signup Form. Completing this form does not automatically create an account. Your IntelePACS administrator will verify your information and contact you once your account is activated.

Thank you for your cooperation.

MRI Sedation Information

Some patients undergoing an MRI scan who are claustrophobic may require Sedation (Hypnovel) to help relax and feel comfortable to have their scan completed.

Hypnovel contains the active substance midazolam, which belongs to a group of medicines known as benzodiazepines. It is a short-acting medicine that is used to induce sedation (a very relaxed state of calm, drowsiness, or sleep) and relieves anxiety and muscle tension. This is given intravenously usually through a vein in the arm.

Although we would like this service to be available to everyone, we must be very careful of the patients that receive this drug as there are risks associated with the administration of it. If we feel you are at high risk of a reaction or complication your sedation may be cancelled and be better suited in a hospital environment.

To be aware of the risks prior to the scan, we would like to inform you that possible side effects include:

  • Anaphylactic shock (a life-threatening allergic reaction). Signs may include a sudden rash, itching or lumpy rash (hives) and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body. You may also have shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing, or a pale skin, a weak and rapid pulse, or feeling of loss of consciousness. Additionally, you may experience chest pain, which can be a sign of a potentially serious allergic reaction called Kounis syndrome.
  • Heart attack (cardiac arrest). Signs may include chest pain which may spread to your neck and shoulders and down your left arm.
  • Breathing problems or complications (sometimes causing the breathing to stop).
  • Choking and sudden blockage of the airway (laryngospasm).

Other possible side effects include:

  • Effects on behaviour: restlessness, agitation, irritability, nervousness, anxiety, hostility, anger or aggression, excitement, hyperactivity, changes in libido.
  • Muscle problems: muscle spasms and muscle tremors (shaking of your muscles that you cannot control).
  • Mental and Nervous system problems: confusion, disorientation, emotional and mood disturbances, involuntary movements, nightmares, abnormal dreams, hallucinations.
  • Heart and circulation problems: low blood pressure, slow heart rate, redness of the face and neck (flushing), fainting or headache.
  • Breathing problems: shortness of breath, hiccup.
  • Stomach, gut and mouth problems: feeling sick or being sick, constipation, dry mouth.
  • Skin problems: rash, hives (lumpy rash), itchiness.
  • Injury: Patients taking benzodiazepine medicines are at risk of falling and breaking bones. This risk is increased in the elderly and those taking other sedatives (including alcohol).
  • General: tiredness (fatigue).
  • Elderly patients: Life-threatening side effects are more likely to occur in adults over 60 years of age and those who already have breathing difficulties or heart problems, particularly when the injection is given too quickly or at a high dose.
  • Patients with severe kidney disease: Patients with severe kidney disease are more likely to experience side effects.

How to Prepare for an MRI with Sedation?

To ensure the scan runs as smooth and as safe as possible it is very important to:

  • Fast for 6 hours before your appointment time, including food, drink, alcohol, and cigarettes.
  • Organise a friend or family member to attend the appointment with you. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours and will not be able to take a taxi or Uber home. For safety reasons you will need to leave the practice in the care of someone who will accompany you home.
  • Stop taking any anti-anxiety (e.g. Valium), anti-depressants (e.g. Zoloft), or sleeping tablets (e.g. Temazepam) 24 hours before your appointment.

Post Care after having Sedation.

To ensure the safety of the sedated patient, after the scan you will:

  • Remain on site for a minimum of 1 hour until you have returned to a baseline of consciousness.
  • Will only be permitted to leave under the care and supervision of a friend or family member who will be provided with verbal and written care instructions.
  • Not be able to drive or operate any machinery for 24 hours after sedation.