The Short Answer: Yes, You Do Need a Referral.

For any diagnostic medical imaging, including MRI and CT scans, a referral (also known as a requisition) from a qualified medical practitioner is required. This is a critical step that ensures your safety and that the correct scan is performed to accurately diagnose your condition.

Why is a Referral Necessary?

1. Safety First: A requisition is a doctor’s order. It contains essential clinical information that our Radiologists and Technologists use to properly screen you for safety (e.g., checking for metallic implants, which can be an MRI contraindication) and to choose the correct imaging protocols.
2. Accuracy: Your doctor specifies what part of your body needs to be scanned and why. This ensures that the Radiologist knows what to look for, leading to the most accurate diagnostic report possible.
3. Medical Necessity: Diagnostic imaging is a medical procedure. The referral confirms that the scan is medically necessary, which is a common requirement for insurance or health spending account claims.

A Simple 3-Step Guide for Ontario Patients

If you are an Ontario resident looking to skip the long wait times for an MRI or CT scan and book quickly with Canmax, follow these three simple steps to secure your appointment:

Step 1: Contact Your Medical Practitioner

You will need to get a signed requisition form from a qualified healthcare provider. This can be:

• Your Family Doctor
• A Specialist Physician
• A Doctor at a Walk-In Clinic

What to Ask For: Simply tell your doctor that you need a referral or requisition form for the MRI or CT scan that they have recommended. While they must determine the medical necessity, they can generally write a requisition for you to take to the imaging provider of your choice.

Step 2: Ensure the Requisition is Complete

Before sending it to us, double-check that the form your doctor provides clearly indicates:

• ✅ Your Full Name and Date of Birth
• ✅ The Area to be Scanned (e.g., "Right Knee," "Lumbar Spine," or "Full-Body Screening")
• ✅ The Reason for the Scan (relevant symptoms or diagnosis)
• ✅ Your Doctor's Signature

Step 3: Send Your Requisition to Canmax

Once you have the signed form, the final step is to submit it to our team.

Upon receiving your completed requisition, our intake team will contact you within 48 hours to finalize your appointment. This is the last administrative step before you can secure your scan and get your results fast.

Why Choose Canmax Medical Imaging?

Many patients are frustrated by the 80+ day wait times for diagnostic imaging in the Ontario public health system. As the closest option for fast private imaging near the Niagara border, Canmax offers:

• Rapid Booking: Appointments available within 1 to 3 days.
• Cost-Effective: Competitive pricing that is often lower than private clinics in Ontario.
• Convenience: Our Buffalo, NY location is just 10 minutes from the Niagara border, making it an easy drive for GTHA residents.

Ready to get your diagnostic imaging done on your schedule?

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