How to Beat Diagnostic Imaging Wait Times in AB
Have you been waiting far too long for a diagnostic imaging appointment in Alberta?
Wait times for diagnostic imaging such as MRIs, CT scans and other imaging procedures can feel excessively long. According to GoodCaring.ca, the average wait time for an MRI in Alberta, Canada is approximately 18 weeks, and ranging from 11 - 49 weeks, and wait times for a CT scan in AB range from 6 - 46 weeks, depending on the facility.
This graph provided by a CBC report indicates wait times for CT and MRI scans in Alberta from 2015 to 2019. The red line indicates target wait times, with Priority 1-3 indicating priority assigned, based on the seriousness of a condition. Not only have actual wait times far surpassed targets, they have worsened year over year.
Is MIC our only option?
Medical Imaging Consultants (MIC) is one of the largest chain of radiology clinics in the province, offering a wide range of diagnostic medical imaging services, including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds. MIC also has partnerships with hospitals, giving it additional influence in the diagnostic imaging market.
Because most physicians in Alberta use MIC-supplied requisition forms, many patients believe they must only go to a MIC location for diagnostic imaging and testing.
However, this is not the case!
If you are anxiously awaiting a diagnosis based on an imaging appointment booked far too long in advance, there’s good news.
While MIC is a fantastic medical imaging provider, many other diagnostic imaging centers offer MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, Ultrasound, Pain Management, Nuclear Medicine, GI Fluoroscopy, Cardiac Studies, Breast Screening and Bone Density Tests. Alberta Health Services will cover the cost of these services if deemed necessary, and these clinics may offer shorter wait times, quality care and prompt results.
Some examples of these clinics are Insight Medical Imaging and Canada Diagnostic Centres. Independent imaging clinics include Glennwood Radiology in Spruce Grove, Physiologix in Edmonton, and Mayfair Diagnostics in Calgary.
How do I choose the best medical imaging clinic?
Not all diagnostic medical imaging clinics are equal. Here are some things to consider when choosing a clinic:
Availability of equipment: Do they have what you need? Check ahead to ensure the clinic has the essential equipment to perform your test.
Wait times: How long until their next available appointment?
Patient-centered care: How are their Google reviews? Do they have friendly staff and comfortable facilities? Finding these things can help reduce medical-related stress during the appointment.
Flexible hours: Do they have limited open times? Extended hours make it easier to fit your appointment into a busy schedule.
Payment: Is the service you need private pay or covered by AHS? If private pay, how much, and is the shorter wait time worth paying for out-of-pocket?
In conclusion
If you are running out of time, there are other alternatives to MIC for booking medical diagnostic imaging covered by Alberta Health Services. Exploring different options can help you get the diagnosis you need, sooner, and enable you to move forward in your health journey.
And if researching alternatives feels impossible or overwhelming to you or a loved one, please reach out. As an independent patient advocate serving all of Alberta, I can help you get the answers, treatment and support you need, sooner.
Links & Resources
Google Maps - search nearby diagnostic imaging clinics + read reviews
PatientOptions.ca - a comprehensive list of Alberta diagnostic medical imaging locations
