Download Radiology Wait Times

Radiology Wait Times
Computed Tomography or CT Scan
CT scan examinations have an average wait time of two days to three weeks depending on the
urgency, nature or complexity of the examination.
Mammography
The wait for screening mammography is approximately 5 weeks and diagnostic mammography is
approximately 6 weeks.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI
Wait times vary depending on the urgency and types of MRI scan requested. When we receive
an MRI requisition our Radiologist assigns it an urgency level based on the information provided
by the ordering physician. Currently, the majority of the least urgent MRI scans have a wait of
between six and eight months depending on the nature of the scan. Some scans such as MRI
arthrograms may have longer waits. We maintain a short call list for patients who can be in the
department quickly to take advantage of patient exam cancellations. Please call 604-806-8548 if
you want to be placed on the list. Should your health change while waiting for your MRI exam,
necessitating either canceling your exam or reducing the wait time, please contact your physician
to review your condition.
Nuclear Medicine
The wait time for a nuclear medicine scan varies, depending on the type of scan. For example,
wait time for Myocardial Perfusion (MIBI heart) studies is about one week and for bone scans, it is
about two weeks. Urgent scans can be scheduled in one to two days.
Ultrasound
Currently, the wait for a general ultrasound examination is averaging six to seven weeks. Urgent
requests are often accommodated on a daily basis. Specialized ultrasound tests such as
musculoskeletal scans, may have longer waits depending on our bookings.