News

Thank You

Thank you to our radiologists, sonographers, radiographers and support staff for their dedication in recent weeks. Every member of our team has shown us agility and passion in a time of change and uncertainty.

As COVID-19 arrived in Australia, Synergy Radiology wasted no time to implement heightened safety measures in accordance with government standards. To protect both our team and our patients, we have; staff performing triage prior to anyone entering sites, implemented social distancing measures, rolled out safety screens for reception staff and increased the number of hygiene stations and protocols. The new business as usual is a remarkable demonstration of staff cohesion to protect the health of patients and ensure we provide our services in a safe environment.

Like many in the industry, our team’s dedication to delivering our essential health services was despite a minimal supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). As a Group, we have resolved this industry-wide issue for the time being. We will continue to work with our key suppliers and government for stock.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation which we are continually assessing. The foundational value driving Synergy Radiology through this health emergency remains as it was at inception, family. So at this time, we have made the vital decision to modify our opening hours, providing our team with the opportunity to increase time with their loved ones.

Please stay safe. Again, we thank you radiologists, sonographers, radiographers and practice staff.

Symptoms: is it COVID-19, a simple cold or Flu?

Less than two months have passed since Australia’s horrifying bushfire season, which saw both great heroism and patriotism as we stood together and battled our way through a national emergency. For months we choked in the smoke of the fires, feeling helpless as we watched our country burn. It seems only a few moments have passed of which to catch a breath, and we no longer stand together in the fight for our lives, but rather in the unfamiliar form of warfare through isolation.

In these uncertain times amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, authorities doing the best they can with the limited information as it becomes available, advise a new paradigm for the identity of Australians. This includes social distancing, prohibiting the customary handshake and closing public areas for social expression, including pubs, restaurants, cafes, gyms and spiritual houses. Those flaunting non-compliance forcing more salt in the wounds, provoking the closure of some of our most iconic beaches. As we quickly drift towards a crashing wave of pandemic proportions.

Mass hysteria has led to understocked supermarkets (and outhouses for that matter) and the fundamental ritual of sanitising or sudsing up hands is now enjoyed after all occasions keeping you busy for seemingly hours each day (if you are lucky enough to have a supply of soap that is). But to top it all off, the all Australian saying of “She’ll be right mate!” is no longer the socially acceptable way to handle feeling under the weather, you’re expected to crawl under a rock for two weeks and hope there is still a good (healthy) Samaritan or UberEATS driver around to drop in vital supplies.

So how do you know if the symptoms you’re feeling are indications of Coronavirus, the Flu or if it’s the everyday run of the mill cold?

We think this infographic put together by the Department of Health (and adapted by us) is a great way to differentiate between the symptoms of each and may save an unnecessary trip to the closest COVID-19 clinic.

We hope this information provides some understanding of how the virus’ presents and we’re just a phone call away to provide you with a suitable course of action in these times of uncertainty. If you’re feeling unwell or unsure if your symptoms could be the sign of something more serious, please contact your local Qualitas Health general practice to book a consult with one of our GP’s.

Covid–19: Identifying the Symptoms

Download the PDF

Synergy Radiology Announcement – COVID-19

Managing Partner, Synergy Radiology, Dr. Tej Dugal today announced – “All Synergy Radiology sites are open to support the health of the community in the face of this growing pandemic.

Dr. Dugal states,  “As an integral part of the health services in Australia, we are committed to keeping our sites open to ensure we continue to provide high-quality healthcare to our patients.

“Our priority is also to minimise the exposure of patients, staff and radiologists and continue to run our sites with the full level of services on offer.

“We will continue to operate our sites to a high standard, increasing hygiene measures in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines. We are taking strict measures to protect and minimise the risk of an unexpected transmission to a patient whilst at our site. However, there may be the possibility with stringent controls put into place in the interest of safety, patients and referrers may experience increased throughput times and slight delays in results.

“Now is a time where we all must remain vigilant and stay informed of developments as they evolve. Our sites display clear signage at the front windows, indicating that patients who meet the clinical and epidemiological criteria for COVID-19 refrain from entering the site.”

Patients that are either a confirmed case or meet the clinical and epidemiological criteria for COVID-19 and are a suspect case will be redirected to the appropriate public health testing facility from our practice.

We urge all patients to contact us on (02) 8881 3888 with any questions.

 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Elise Turner (02)9466 5904

Announcement: Coronavirus testing does not take place at Synergy Radiology imaging sites

Synergy Radiology – Norwest Medical Imaging, would like to confirm that NO testing for Coronavirus has been performed or will be performed in our premises as this is not an Imaging test, but rather a Pathology test. As reported by 2GB and other online sources, testing was done last week by a pathology provider within the building. Following discussions, the pathology provider agreed to immediately discontinue Coronavirus testing services and further all areas have been disinfected and cleaned to Department of Health standards. Furthermore, the pathology provider has assured us ALL patients tested in the building that day have tested negative. Despite this, further precautions were taken that afternoon both by ourselves and the building Strata manager. Hospital-grade disinfection and cleaning was performed to all common areas as per Department of Health Standards to ensure no risks to our staff, patients and visitors.

Synergy continues to monitor and follow the guidelines set by the Department of Health to maintain a safe work environment for our staff, as well as continue to provide a safe facility for all our patients.

Getting an MRI? Here’s 5 commonly asked questions answered to help you plan

I have been referred for an MRI, but I want to avoid exposure to radiation.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) generates magnetic fields and radio frequencies, not x rays, so patients are not at risk of radiation exposure when undergoing an MRI scan. However, due to the strong magnetic fields, some patients cannot have an MRI. Prior to booking an MRI scan, patients are asked extensive safety questions about previous surgeries and injuries from metal to ensure they are safe. If you have any concerns about your suitability for MRI, you should discuss these with your doctor or one of our radiographers.

I suffer from claustrophobia, what can be done to manage my anxiety?

For patients who have claustrophobia, like CT scans, MRI’s can also be an anxiety inducing medical exam. The procedure requires patients to have the majority of their body slid inside a well-lit but narrow, tube of the MRI machine where they will be asked to lay still for the duration of the scan, which ranges from 15-90 minutes (depending on the area or size being scanned). Due to the way the image is created an MRI can be quite noisy. It’s always important to mention if you have any concerns when booking for an MRI. Synergy Radiology has experience working with patients who have claustrophobia, we also have a larger MRI tube at our Rouse Hill and Campsie sites that provides more room for the patient undergoing the procedure. We also provide light sedation for patients with severe claustrophobia. Please discuss this with your referring doctor.

How do I know if my MRI will be bulk billed or if I will have to pay?

At Synergy Radiology, when we receive your referral, your referral is protocolled with the radiographers and radiologists. The billing is determined by a few factors:

  • If the MRI scanner has a partial licence
  • If the referral is from a GP or Specialist
  • If your clinical indication fits the Medicare eligibility/criteria
  • The body part being imaged
  • Pre-approval for work-related injuries

What is an MRI partial licence?

It is a government-granted Medicare licence that allows bulk billing of adult MRI’s for certain regions such as the head, C-spine and knee for specific conditions (for GP referrals only) and a few specific specialist referrals for the abdomen and pelvis. There are other regions that are also included for under 16 years of age. The government restricts the number of licences in each state. The allocation is based on need in an area.

Does Synergy Radiology have a partial licence for MRI?

Yes, at Norwest medical imaging, Auburn medical imaging, and Campsie medical imaging. At our Rouse Hill Medical Imaging we have a full licence allowing the bulk billing of eligible MRI referrals from specialists.

 

If you need to get an MRI and have more questions you’d like answered, speak to someone from our friendly customer care team who can help you prepare for your test or discuss any concerns you may have. Call us today (02) 8881 3888.