Free ultrasound scans in Wellington
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Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=18714
Printed Date: 23 July 2025 at 8:16pm
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Topic: Free ultrasound scans in Wellington
Posted By: Mum2L
Subject: Free ultrasound scans in Wellington
Date Posted: 30 June 2008 at 1:03pm
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Hi all,
I just came back from a meeting with my midwife, and a new radiology place has opened on Taranaki Street called Horizon Radiology. The midwife said (and also the referral form), that all pregnancy ultrasound scans for NZ Residents is free. My midwife is no longer referring her patients to Pacific Radiology, due to bad service and high co-payment for scans. She said that the quality of the scans are great, as she has already had a couple of patients have their nuchal scans and anatomy scans, who have shown her. She said the only thing is that they are booking out quick, so you will need to book in scans as early as possible. I thought I would tell all Wellington mums-to-be, and I think this is a fantastic service. Pacific Radiology have had a monopoly in the Wellington for too long, and it is nice to have a choice now. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: rachelsea
Date Posted: 30 June 2008 at 1:24pm
Awesome! Good to know there is a choice here now. Now I just have to get pregnant...  ------------- DD 4yrs DS 2yrs http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Emmecat
Date Posted: 30 June 2008 at 2:49pm
Wow that's excellent news! Will book in as soon as I have my BFP  -------------   http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Millie1976
Date Posted: 30 June 2008 at 3:00pm
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I wonder if they also do 3D/4D scans? I would be gutted if they did - this would be the second time I miss out because they don't offer it to patients in the Wellington area unless you have a special need for it whereby you can go to Wellington hospital. ------------- Sebastien 2 years old Olivier 3 3/4 years old |
Posted By: FionaO
Date Posted: 30 June 2008 at 5:53pm
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weirdly enough for my first scan at pacific radiology on lambton quay I paid about $40 I think, then my 20 week scan which was done by a nice lady, she said on the way out, oh this is on the government and walked us to the door and we paid nothing - I was pleased but thought it was odd how I paid for one but not the other. Good on horizon though!!! ------------- 
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Posted By: baalamb
Date Posted: 30 June 2008 at 6:24pm
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I disagree that the service is bad at Pacific Radiology. I guess they're pretty pushed because they ARE (or were) the only place in Wellington (think of all of those non-pregnant patients they have as well!). I have had nothing but great, friendly service from them. They definitely need to be given credit.
I can say that because I get free scans, but I wouldn't complain about them if I had to pay either! |
Posted By: Mum2L
Date Posted: 30 June 2008 at 6:45pm
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baalamb - I wish I could say that the service has been good for me, but it hasn't. It got to the point where I had to send a letter today complaining of having a rude and inconsiderate sonographer the other day.
I also think the charges are ridiculous as well. I know the anatomy is free through them, but $40 for other scans is a bit too much, and also being charged $30 for a CD of the ultrasound images. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: catisla
Date Posted: 01 July 2008 at 7:44am
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Be good to find out if they do they 3D ones! I must say that the two scans i have had done at Lambton Quay PR i have been happy with, though i have nothing to compare them to not having been pregnant before . . . ------------- |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 01 July 2008 at 6:08pm
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the scans i've had through pacific on lambton have been a bit crap
1# 20 weeks with first pregnancy. I was nervous cos it was my first ever scan, the guy had the doppler thing on my tummy for ages moving it around and punching stuff in the keyboard, i was waiting for ages for him to say something like 'baby is healthy' or at 'theres a beartbeat!' but nothing. Eventually i said is everyhting o.k? he says yes fine infact we're almost all done. great. I completely missed it not realising baby was on screen because he never pointed it out. 2# Second pregnancy @ 10 weeks. It was the same guy so I asked him when I lied down can you please tell me when you see baby so I know everything is o.k... he puts the doppler thing on moves it round for ages and then goes 'have you had any bleeding lately?' WTF!? No. Why? Then what seemed like an eternity later but probably only a few secs 'There's your baby' So i have to ask him is everything o.k 'yes,' end of scan. It was not a fun experience. On the other hand i got a scan done at newtown pacific radiology at 40 weeks and the guy there was absolutely fantastic couldn't have asked for better service |
Posted By: catisla
Date Posted: 01 July 2008 at 6:58pm
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Maybe that guy's been talked to 'cos when i went he said to me he takes all the measurements etc first and wont say anything and then he will explain all the various bits and pieces when he has done that (which he did)
i also had MW appointment today - she told me about the Taranaki St one so i will go there when i need to check my placenta position! ------------- |
Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 01 July 2008 at 7:28pm
Did anyone find out if they do 3D/4D scans? I am desperate for one!!! 
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Posted By: Redbedrock
Date Posted: 02 July 2008 at 9:30am
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Kirsten, i'm the same, i have only had good service from pacific radiology, both for pregnancy and other scans/xrays. But i have heard other stories too (one friend was left with bruises on her abdomen).
competition is always good, but I think I would still use Wakefield as it is closest for me and i know the staff. I don't mind paying for scans which may identify potential problems, I paid for 2 one at 7 weeks when I bled, NT scan at 13 weeks (I'm getting on a bit in pregnancy terms so this was important to identify those associated risks) and the free anatomical scan. As I say I'd rather pay than not scan as I can deal with $40 bucks but nasty surprises i hadn't been prepared for at anatomy scan I could do without. I don't think $40 is that steep when you consider the technology and skill involved ------------- http://www.babysfirstsite.com"> 
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Posted By: AmmaS
Date Posted: 15 July 2008 at 10:56am
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Free does not automatically mean - GOOD -
I and a friend of mine had a scan by Horizon in Auckland (same company). The reason it is free is because they scan about 5 or 6 people per hour - to make their money off the government rather than the pregnant woman. It felt rushed and I worried about them seeing everythning properly. My anatomy scan lasted for less than 5 mins . I received a free Video (my friend bought a DVD for$30). The video was cheap and nasty and worked once then the tape snapped. The pictures were small thermal paper pictures which apparently fade over time - mine is already fading.  . I was warned not to photocopy or scan images because the paper then fades even quicker.
At least my friend still has her $30 DVD - I have no record of my baby. |
Posted By: Corry
Date Posted: 01 August 2008 at 8:15am
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I agree with Amma, Free doesn't mean it's great! My first child had abnormal findings, the staff at Pacific where great they took time to explain things and made sure my midwife had the results within an hour. I doubt it 5 people where booked in an hour it would have been like that!
I heard they get paid for every patient they do? I would work fast too! |
Posted By: Mum2L
Date Posted: 01 August 2008 at 9:57am
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Well what I have heard so far from people having their scans at Horizon in Wellington is that they are just as good as Pacific, and did not seemed rushed!!
I will be able to put my 10 cents worth in this afternoon after I have my anatomy scan. If I am not happy with the results, then I will go back to Pacific. But do realise that paying $40 for a scan at Pacific can be a stretch for a lot of pregnant women out there, especially as the cost of living has gone up quite a bit. AmmaS- I was told by the receptionist at Horizon that they actually tape the scan on a DVD, not a videotape. If you bring in the DVD, it is free, and they also load on the inidividual images. Or you can pay $30 if you don't bring your own blank DVD. The receptionist said they no longer offer the video option. Also, Pacific do the same thing of putting a lot of people through a scan in an hour. For my first scan, the sonographer only spent 5 minutes, and he was onto his next one after that. For my nuchal scan, I felt like I was rushed, and the sonographer kept on going on that it should have only taken 10 minutes to do the scan, much rather than the 45 minutes, as my baby was quite active. I think there is two sides to every story, but my main gripe with Pacific Radiology is the high co-payment. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: catisla
Date Posted: 01 August 2008 at 1:14pm
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i am going to Horizon on 11th for my scan to check the placenta position. The lady i spoke with said they have three slots an hour so doesn't sound like the rush through them.
Good to know about the DVD thing as well Lady aset - thanks for that ------------- |
Posted By: mrshouse
Date Posted: 01 August 2008 at 3:32pm
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with baby#1 i only had great scans at horizon in auckland botany
with this one at horizon silvia park ive had crap service! fast, no explanations and a scan lady i had no confidence in!.....ive had her the 2 times ive got a scan so maybe it all depends on the person whose doing it......it wouldve felt better paying for a scan...atleast i would feel justified demanding her to explain things! ------------- http://www.baby-gaga.com/"> 
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Posted By: Mum2L
Date Posted: 01 August 2008 at 6:38pm
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Well here is my opinion of Horizion at Wellington:
- Great service, the receptionist is absolutely lovely, and builds a great rapport with patients. - The sonographer is a female, and she was great. So friendly, and spent the time needed to get the shots she wanted. - They have the most up-to-date ultrasound machine in the country, but it is not a 3d/4d one. The sonographer said they are still weighing up the pros and cons of such a service. - It is free. Now I got the DVD thing a bit wrong. If you need a follow-up scan, because she couldn't get the right measurements, the DVD is free. If she gets the measurements she needs, the cost os $30. However, if you take your own DVD in, and just give it to the sonographer, she will do it for free. So today, I got my DVD for free, as I need a follow-up scan in 2 weeks. - They do give a thermal print out of one shot, however they say having a DVD of the whole thing is better. You can take as many individual shots of the scan on a computer with a video player like VLC. I think in the end, it all depends on the experience of the sonographer and the equipment. The sonographer here in Wellington is highly experienced. In the end, I was absolutely happy with the service. She took the time needed (about 30 minutes), and also pointed things that need to be checked up in the future. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: linda
Date Posted: 01 August 2008 at 7:45pm
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I was at Horizon in Wellington yesterday and I agree with you lady aset. They were great. With Pacific we would have had to wait a till after the weekend (had bleeding but not major) which I didn't want to do. Plus the $40 annoyed me. Anyway, rang Horizon and they were great and could fit me in for when it suited me. I guess a place is only as good as the sonograher. We will keep going to Horizon...even though Pacific is next door to DH's work. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Alex 6 and Harry 8 |
Posted By: ValleyGirl
Date Posted: 05 August 2008 at 11:29am
| Why the big fuss about 3D scans? In my opinion the scanner is there to to a job, to make sure the baby looks like it should, not to make pretty pictures!! |
Posted By: AmmaS
Date Posted: 07 August 2008 at 4:41pm
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I do know for a fact that Pacific and Horizon have exactly the same ultrasound equipment. 3 and 4 D scanning is over rated and dependent on many factors such as baby position, how large mum is etc etc I think the thought is not to have too much ultrasound but enough to get all the information about how well baby is doing, dates and generally if baby is normal. Time will tell I guess. All good having competition. |
Posted By: Alexandrea
Date Posted: 25 September 2009 at 3:29pm
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I had my first scan with Horizon, and plan to have my 20 week one there as well. Free DVD was a real bonus! The woman doing the scan was nice and it didn't feel at all rushed.
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Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 25 September 2009 at 4:55pm
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wish they were free here..in chch they are all 50$! without referral like 180 or something! ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 28 September 2009 at 1:52pm
I wish I'd known about the free scan! I paid $40 at Jville Pacific Radiology, have my 20w scan there too, although they were rather slow (15 mins before and after waiting and I was the only person!!) they did a real good job and talked me through everything. Only downside is I got a fuzzy pic to take home  and baby wasn't even moving!------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: margipargi
Date Posted: 28 September 2009 at 3:40pm
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Personally i like the one in taranaki street, there is also a DVD you can get of the baby, they use to charge $30 per DVD, (as you have to buy it there) but then they changed it so its free now :) I got one at 12 weeks and it was wonderful, I also got one at 20 weeks, but it was a little blurry, but I got heaps of photos (as I went to Bowen Hospital first, but when I realized they didnt do DVDs I went back to Horizon and asked the mw for another referral so I wouldnt have to pay ;)) so my next one will be at week 35 in another 4 weeks, which im really looking forward to
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Posted By: Millyz
Date Posted: 28 September 2009 at 5:04pm
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I've had all my scans at Horizon on Taranaki Street so far (including two when I m/c in April). I've found everyone lovely to deal with, the sonographer really helpful, friendly and took her time. Am having my 20 week scan with them on Thursday - yay!! Received a DVD at my 12 week scan too. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Nutella
Date Posted: 29 September 2009 at 11:42am
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We had to pay $180 for our scan over here in Aussie. We get some of the money back through medicare but certainly not all of it. Pregnancy visits to Drs are not free over here and it depends on the Dr that you are seeing so consider yourself lucky ladies as at $60 a visit it adds up. ------------- 
 Oct 11
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Posted By: MichelleBails
Date Posted: 29 September 2009 at 1:53pm
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We used Johnsonville Pacifics Radiology, had 3 scans and paid $40 (?) total... 1st at 9 weeks (to confirm dates) - free, 2nd at 12 weeks (nuchal) - paid (can't remember how much) and 3rd at 20 weeks - free. Was told that the 20 week scan should always be free, the 12 weeks scan is 'optional' which is why they charge..
I thought they were amazing, had the same scanner all 3 times and she spent loads of time (each time) explaining what was going on and what baby was up to (as well as cooing lots at things we had no idea were so cute.. lol - "Awww see babies liver.. awww..' lol. We got a CD with loads of images each time as well as an a4 print out picture... we didnt pay for any of these.. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: FreyasMum
Date Posted: 29 September 2009 at 2:34pm
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I had some bleeding a couple of weeks ago and had to go for a scan. Called Pacific Radiology and got an appointment that morning.
The staff were fantastic. Lovely helpful receptionist, and the guy doing the scan was an absolute legend. He explained what he was looking at every step and set my mind at ease right away. We were not charged, and got a CD of pics. They did say that there would be a $40 charge for the nuchal scan, but that's OK to me - it's up to me whether or not I have that scan. I was just pleased that when I really needed the scan, the issue of payment didn't come up. |
Posted By: MalaKeshav201292
Date Posted: 01 March 2016 at 1:56pm
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Oh man! Timing.... my husband and I got so confused with how the system work to get free pregnancy medical care. Just went to Pacific Radiology today for my first scan! $40 Later. There is no easy way to find out where or who provides the free services around here! What a bugger! |