Diagnostic Breast Imaging

Emergency Imaging Requests

Please note Diagnostic Breast Imaging is not an emergency service and does not provide time-critical imaging.

Acute urgent conditions/symptoms include (not an exhaustive list):

• Breast abscess 
• Mastitis
• Infective processes 

Scope

Currently DBI accepts breast imaging requests for the following clinically indicated patients with a public episode of care.

• Outpatient services 
• Pre-operative/treatment imaging including hookwire and clip placement
• Breast cancer surveillance imaging
• Follow up imaging for acute episodes including mastitis and abscesses

Out of Scope

At this time, DBI does not accept referrals for imaging for:

• GP referrals for imaging
• Private patients
• Acute urgent patients in the Emergency Department
• Inpatients
• Contrast Enhanced Mammography 
• MRI

Requests should include

• Examinations requested
  • Mammography/Tomography
  • Ultrasound
  • Biopsy
    • for example FNA, Core or VABB (Vacuum assisted breast biopsy)
• Areas for Imaging
• Area(s) of concern 
• Time frame for when imaging is required for example urgent request, surveillance including previous screening date, routine monitoring

Information to be included in the referral

(Referral may be returned without this)

Essential supporting information

Pathology

• Any relevant

Imaging

• Prior breast imaging reports

Investigations/other

• Prior biopsy reports

Additional information

• Clinical examination findings (Breast, quadrant and position)
• Details of signs and symptoms and location (Breast, quadrant and position)
• Previous breast cancer surgery/treatment
• Notable prior imaging history including date, findings, name of imaging clinic and actions taken

Interim/GP management

For more information please see Healthpathways Breast Imaging - Diagnostic - Community HealthPathways Tasmania

Clinic Appointments

Urgent (Category 1)

We will endeavour to see these patients within 2 weeks of receiving the referral.

Please feel free to contact our senior clinic staff within our department on 6166 6967 for any inquiries regarding urgent referrals.

Semi-urgent (Category 2)

We will endeavour to see these patients within 4 weeks of receiving the referral, or within the specified time frame for follow up imaging.

Routine (Category 3)

Patients to be waitlisted and booked at appropriate time indicated by referrer.

Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS)

• The Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS) provides subsidies for patients needing to travel interstate and within Tasmania. 
• Access requires a medical practitioner referral. Medical practitioner (i.e. GP) to fill out Section 2 on the application form. 
• For further information about travel, accommodation, and frequently asked questions, see Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS). 

Private providers may also be able to offer this service in your region.