Radiology Setup Guide Australia FAQs

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What are the first regulatory steps when setting up a radiology centre in Australia?

You must secure ARPANSA approval for radiation shielding (with designs by accredited physicists), ensure TGA approval for all imaging equipment, and design reporting environments to meet RANZCR standards. In addition, you need compliance with the Privacy Act and DIAS accreditation to bill Medicare..

How should I choose the location and design of the centre?

Select a site based on demographics and referral networks. Design rooms with proper shielding, space for equipment layout, staff flow, HVAC redundancy, and ergonomic patient/staff pathways.

What IT infrastructure is required?

You need segmented networks (VLANs for modalities, PACS, admin), redundant internet links, local servers for PACS/RIS, data backups in Australia, and strong cybersecurity, including endpoint protection and penetration testing.

Which imaging modalities should a new centre include?

A baseline set includes X-ray, ultrasound, DEXA, CT, and CBCT. Further additions like mammography, OPG/CEPH, MRI or PET depend on market size and referrals.

What are the reporting environment requirements?

Radiologists need calibrated, high-resolution diagnostic monitors. Workstations must support RIS, PACS, and associated clinical tools. Ergonomics, acoustic control, and secure remote reporting setups are essential.

How do I maintain compliance and quality over time?

Regular preventive maintenance, annual compliance tests, dose audits, staff dosimetry, shielding reassessment, and continuous quality systems are mandatory.

What types of staff are needed?

You’ll need licensed radiographers, accredited sonographers, FRANZCR radiologists, and possibly nurses for interventional work. You also need training in IT, compliance, and operational protocols

What financial and insurance considerations are critical?

Radiology centres are capital intensive. You need a business model balancing capital spend and Medicare revenue. Insurance should include the imaging system as a specified item to cover risks beyond what warranties provide.

How long does setting up a radiology centre typically take?

An estimated timeline is 12-18 months including feasibility, design & approvals, fit-out, procurement, integration, compliance sign-off, and staff training.

How does Medic Cloud support radiology centre projects?

Medic Cloud coordinates all aspects — from builders, shielding consultants, and vendors — through IT, imaging installation, reporting setups, managed services, compliance support, and long-term operation.

For more information read the blog about setting up a clinic or contact us today for a conversation.

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