What is the wait time for an MRI in Canada?
Mia Phillips
Updated on May 14, 2026
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Just so, how long is the wait for an MRI in Canada?
It's estimated that across the 10 provinces the total number of procedures for which people are waiting in 2017 is 1,040,791. This year, Canadians could expect to wait 4.1 weeks for a computed tomography (CT) scan, 10.8 weeks for a MRI scan and 3.9 weeks for an ultrasound.
Similarly, what is the wait time for an MRI in Ontario? Wait Times Affect Patient Care In Ontario In 2004, the average wait time for a patient to obtain a CT Scan appointment was between 8-12 months and 12-18 months for an MRI scan.
Secondly, how long does it take to get an MRI appointment?
While there's some variation depending on your injury or illness, an MRI will typically take 15 to 20 minutes to complete with a few exams lasting up to an hour. During your MRI, you'll hear loud noises like thumping and tapping as the machine goes to work.
How long does it take to get an MRI in Toronto?
Wait times to get an MRI in a hospital setting are reported under the provincial wait times strategy. The target wait time is 28 days but currently this is only being met in one hospital (North York General where the most recent reported wait time is 24 days) the rest range from that up to 100 days.
Related Question AnswersWhat is the average wait for surgery in Canada?
Rural patients faced even longer delays. For instance, the average Canadian in need of orthopedic surgery waited almost 24 weeks for treatment -- but the typical patient in rural Nova Scotia waited nearly 39 weeks for the same procedure.What is the wait time for surgery in Canada?
Patients wait longest between a GP referral and orthopaedic surgery (39.1 weeks), while those waiting for medical oncology begin treatment in 4.4 weeks. The total wait time that patients face can be examined in two consecutive segments. From referral by a general practitioner to consultation with a specialist.How much does an MRI cost in Canada?
Select any of the procedures below to view detailed cost data and provider comparisons.| Procedure | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Pelvic MRI Cost Average | $550 - $1,400 |
| MRI Shoulder, Arm, Wrist, Hand (Upper Extremity) Cost Average | $340 - $900 |
| Breast MRI (Both Breasts) Cost Average | $625 - $1,650 |
| Brain MRI Cost Average | $575 - $1,450 |
How long are wait times in Canada healthcare?
It begins, “Waiting for treatment has become a defining characteristic of Canadian health care,” and reports that the median wait for treatment across all provinces and some 12 medical specialties is now 19.8 weeks. That's down slightly from the 2017 median wait of 21.2 weeks, but don't celebrate just yet.Is MRI free in Canada?
According to a report in the Canadian Press, Mayfair Diagnostics and Open Skies MRI Diagnostics, will only supply free, public scans to patients within Regina and surrounding areas.Why are wait times so long in Canada?
A shortage of emergency department physicians is often cited as the main cause of long hours spent waiting in the ER. A joint study led by the CAEP, CFPC and RCPSC found that Canada's healthcare system has a shortfall of 478 emergency physicians, a figure projected to rise to 1071 by 2020.What does an MRI cost in Canada?
Most single area, routine exams cost $900.1.5 Tesla MRI.
| Brain | $900 |
|---|---|
| Spine (per segment: cervical, thoracic or lumbar) | $900 |
| Joints (per ankle,elbow,wrist,shoulder,knee,hip) | $900 |
| Arthrograms (incl contrast) | $1400 |
| Abdomen (incl contrast) | $1600 |