Lower Back Pain

Fasting depends on the type of scan and whether contrast is required. Some MRI, CT and ultrasound studies require fasting, while others do not. Our patient support team will give you clear, scan-specific instructions.

Comfortable clothing is best. For MRI, please avoid clothing with metal zips, buttons or underwire. If needed, appropriate attire can be provided on the day. Our staff will ask safety questions prior to your MRI scan.

Claustrophobia and scan anxiety are common concerns and our team is experienced in supporting patients through their examination comfortably. Please let us know when booking so we can take extra care to prepare you for your visit. Our in-scanner audio-visual platform allows you to watch a movie or your favourite TV show throughout your examination, which many patients find significantly reduces anxiety. For patients with more significant claustrophobia, GP-prescribed mild oral sedation may be appropriate — please speak with your GP prior to your appointment and note that a support person will be required to accompany you home if sedation is taken.

Scan times vary depending on the type of imaging. CT scans typically take around 5–10 minutes. MRI scans take 30–45 minutes for most standard studies, while a comprehensive Whole Body MRI™ can take up to 100 minutes. DEXA scans take around 10 minutes. X-rays typically take around 5 minutes. Ultrasound typically takes around 30 minutes. Our patient support team will confirm the expected duration when scheduling your scan.

Most reports are available within 48 to 72 hours and sent directly to your referring doctor. Clinically urgent scans are prioritised for reporting. Some complex or subspecialty studies, such as Whole Body MRI ™ or cardiac studies, may take longer — please allow up to 5 to 7 business days for more detailed examinations. Some scans may be eligible for elective expedited reporting for a small fee, please speak to our team before or after your scan to learn more. Your report and images will also be accessible through the MBR Health patient portal once finalised. If you require your results sooner, please let our team know at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Yes. Your images are available in the patient app as soon as your referring doctor receives the results. You can view and download them directly from the app, and our patient support team can also assist if you need help.

Maybe — many MRI scans can be performed without contrast. Our research-grade 3T MRI is highly sensitive, which often means less or even no contrast is needed. Contrast is used when it will provide meaningful additional diagnostic information. The decision is based on your referral, clinical details and imaging findings. If contrast is recommended, we carefully assess safety, kidney function and clinical need to ensure the best outcome for you.

Fasting depends on whether contrast is required. We recommend fasting for 2 hours before any CT that requires contrast. Our patient support team will give you clear, scan-specific instructions.

Comfortable clothing is best. For MRI, please avoid clothing with metal zips, buttons or underwire. Our staff will ask safety questions prior to your MRI scan.

Fasting depends on whether contrast is required. We recommend fasting for 2 hours before any CT that requires contrast. Our patient support team will give you clear, scan-specific instructions.

Comfortable clothing is best. For CT, please avoid clothing with metal zips, buttons or underwire in the field of view. If needed, appropriate attire can be provided on the day.

Fasting depends on the type of ultrasound. Typically fasting will be required for scans of the abdomen, pelvis and some of the ultrasound dopplers. Our patient support team will give you clear, scan-specific instructions.

Comfortable clothing is best that allows easy access to the area of interest by the sonographer.

Maybe — many MRI scans can be performed without contrast. Our research-grade 3T MRI is highly sensitive, which often means less or even no contrast is needed. Contrast is used when it will provide meaningful additional diagnostic information – typically for diagnostic oncological, nerve or vessel imaging contrast is required. The decision is based on your referral, clinical details and imaging findings. If contrast is recommended, we carefully assess safety, kidney function and clinical need to ensure the best outcome for you.

Maybe — many CT scans can be performed without contrast however CT imaging assessing oncology, or vessels (including for pulmonary or cardiac) will require contrast. The decision is based on your referral, clinical details and imaging findings. If contrast is recommended, we carefully assess safety, kidney function and clinical need to ensure the best outcome for you.

At MBR Health, every scan is radiologist-led and personalised, not a one-size-fits-all approach. We pair some of Australia’s most advanced medical imaging, including our research-grade 3T MRI and Spectral CT, with cutting-edge regenerative and cellular therapies, customising imaging sequences to your clinical needs, anatomy and personal health history. Our focus is on precision, clarity and actionable insights, enabling proactive preventive care rather than reactive treatment, and supporting confident clinical decision-making.

All scans at MBR Health are carefully reviewed and reported by our specialist radiologists, with expertise specifically matched to the type of study being performed. We do not rely on AI-only reporting — every scan receives expert, personalised interpretation, ensuring the highest level of diagnostic accuracy and providing actionable insights for your healthcare team.

MBR Health is a clinician-led, family owned medical imaging and precision health group founded by Dr Zane Sherif, Specialist Radiologist. The practice has been developed around a simple principle: imaging should not be treated as a generic commodity, but as a critical diagnostic step that can shape prevention, treatment planning and long-term health decisions. Based on the Gold Coast, MBR Health brings together advanced diagnostic imaging, specialist radiology oversight and selected image-guided therapies within a personalised clinical framework.

MBR Health is designed around precision, personalisation and diagnostic depth. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all scanning approach, our imaging is radiologist-led and tailored to the clinical question, the patient’s anatomy, prior imaging and health history. Our services include advanced medical imaging such as 3T MRI, Spectral CT, ultrasound, X-ray and dental imaging, alongside selected regenerative and image-guided therapies where clinically appropriate. The focus is not simply on producing images, but on delivering clear, clinically useful information that supports confident decision-making.

Your scan is reviewed and reported by a specialist radiologist. At MBR Health, imaging is interpreted by doctors with expertise matched to the type of study being performed, whether that involves musculoskeletal imaging, oncology, neurological imaging, dental imaging, CT, MRI, ultrasound or X-ray. We do not use AI-only reporting. Every report is prepared with specialist medical oversight, helping ensure your referring doctor receives clinically meaningful information to guide the next step in your care.

MBR Health (previously Mermaid Beach Radiology) is located at 2469 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach QLD — on the corner of Ocean Street and the Gold Coast Highway. Free on-site parking is available at the rear of the building, accessed via 46 Ocean Street. Our clinic is easily accessible by public transport along the Gold Coast Highway corridor. Please contact our friendly team for specific directions or any questions about finding us.

In most cases, yes. A referral from your GP or specialist is required for all MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-Ray and diagnostic procedure appointments at MBR Health. A referral ensures the correct examination is performed for your clinical needs and allows your results to be communicated directly to your treating clinician. Some services do not require a referral — including DEXA body composition or MRI Brain or Liver Quantification studies. Please contact our friendly bookings team if you are unsure whether a referral is required for your specific examination and we will be happy to assist.

Yes — your referral is yours to take anywhere. If you have been referred for imaging by your GP or specialist, you are not required to attend the facility named or printed on your referral. You are free to choose where your imaging is performed and are welcome to bring your referral to MBR Health regardless of which practice, hospital or imaging provider is named on the referral form. We accept referrals in all formats including handwritten, printed and electronic referrals from all registered medical practitioners. If you have any questions about your referral or would like to book an appointment, please contact our friendly bookings team who will be happy to assist.

MBR Health is a mixed billing clinic. Medicare coverage depends on the type of examination, your individual eligibility and the clinical indication for your scan. Some scans and procedures — such as advanced Spectral CT imaging or regenerative medicine procedures — use specialised technology that goes beyond standard Medicare rebate inclusions.

* Spectral CT and X-ray — many diagnostic examinations are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders with a valid referral.
* Ultrasound — a Medicare rebate applies for eligible examinations with an out-of-pocket fee payable
* MRI — Privately billed. To understand why MRI at MBR Health is privately billed, please read our article: Understanding MRI and Medicare Rebates.

Our team will always confirm your out-of-pocket costs clearly before your appointment. Please contact our bookings team to discuss the costs associated with your specific examination prior to booking.

Some scans may be bulk billed when Medicare criteria are met. However, MRI, advanced Spectral CT and regenerative medicine procedures use specialised technology and protocols that go beyond standard rebate models. Our priority is diagnostic accuracy and minimising repeat imaging. Any rebates and out-of-pocket costs are discussed with you before your appointment.

Yes. MBR Health offers the Executive Preventive Health Program for organisations looking to provide executive health screening for their leadership teams. The program uses precision, multi-modality whole-body imaging to screen for cancer, cardiac, metabolic, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions within a single, integrated pathway. Tailored group offerings are available for organisations. Please enquire directly to discuss your team’s requirements.