How Much Does Liver Elastography Cost in Australia?
Patient-facing guide to liver elastography costs in Australia in 2026 — private pricing, Medicare rebate availability, and what affects the out-of-pocket gap.
The short answer: in Australia in 2026, a liver elastography scan in a private setting typically costs between $150 and $330, with most clinics in the $200–$280 range. Whether you can claim a Medicare rebate against that fee depends on the device used and the billing pathway.
Why the price varies
Three main factors drive the price you see: the device type (FibroScan vs 2D shear-wave elastography), whether the scan is bundled with an abdominal ultrasound or billed standalone, and the clinic's location and pricing model.
Standalone FibroScan-only services typically charge $250–$330. When elastography is performed alongside an abdominal ultrasound at an imaging centre, the bundled fee is often lower per-component because part of the cost is covered by the ultrasound MBS item.
The Medicare picture
Important context: MSAC Application 1797, which would have funded standalone FibroScan/VCTE through Medicare, was not supported in early 2025. That means standalone FibroScan scans have no direct MBS rebate — patients pay the full fee out of pocket.
However, 2D shear-wave elastography performed as part of a diagnostic abdominal ultrasound is a different billing pathway. The ultrasound component can attract a Medicare rebate, which reduces the patient's out-of-pocket cost. This is why bundled imaging-centre scans are often cheaper for patients than standalone services.
What to ask before you book
Four questions: (1) What device do you use — FibroScan, or shear-wave elastography on an ultrasound machine? (2) Is the scan bundled with abdominal ultrasound or standalone? (3) Is any part of the fee Medicare-rebateable for me? (4) Do you offer bulk-billing for concession-card holders?
Bulk-billing for liver elastography is not standard — most clinics charge a private fee — but it does exist in some community imaging settings, particularly for patients on health care cards or with diabetes care plans.
Is it worth the cost?
Compared to the alternative — a liver biopsy, which involves a hospital admission, real procedural risks, and a recovery period — elastography is dramatically cheaper, faster, and safer. For most patients with intermediate FIB-4 scores or chronic hepatitis B monitoring needs, the out-of-pocket cost of elastography is small relative to the diagnostic value it provides.
If cost is a barrier, ask your GP about bundled imaging-centre options or whether you qualify for a chronic disease management plan that covers part of the cost.