Diagnostic procedures such as ultrasounds, X-rays, and blood tests are a necessary part of the healthcare system that people need to diagnose and monitor their health. These procedures help doctors understand what is going on inside your body and make informed decisions about treatment. However, understanding how to book these procedures in Edmonton can be challenging, especially for people who have just arrived in Canada or are unfamiliar with the Canadian healthcare system.
Fortunately, there is a structured system for booking diagnostic procedures in Edmonton, which includes both public and private clinics. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to book diagnostic procedures in Edmonton, including information on the different types of procedures, how to get a referral from your doctor, how to book an appointment, how to prepare for the procedure, and how to get your results.
Understanding Diagnostic Procedures
Types of Diagnostic Procedures
Diagnostic procedures in Edmonton include several main types of tests:
Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your body's internal organs and tissues. Ultrasound is often used to examine pregnancy, evaluate abdominal organs, examine the thyroid gland, and evaluate joints.
X-rays: X-rays use radiation to create images of bones and some organs. X-rays are often used to diagnose fractures, pneumonia, and other chest conditions.
Computed tomography (CT): CT scans use X-rays to create detailed three-dimensional images of organs and tissues. CT scans are often used to diagnose cancer, fractures, and other serious conditions.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI scans use a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues, the brain, and joints. MRI is often used to diagnose brain disorders, joint disorders, and other conditions where detailed images are needed.
Blood tests and biochemical tests: Blood tests involve collecting blood and other body fluids for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests may include tests for blood sugar, cholesterol, liver function, kidney function, coagulation, and many other indicators.
Obtaining a referral from your doctor
First step: Consultation with your doctor
The first step in scheduling a diagnostic procedure is to consult with your doctor. Your doctor must determine which diagnostic procedure you need based on your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination.
During the consultation, your doctor should discuss with you the reason for the diagnostic procedure and what it may reveal. It is important to understand that the procedure is for diagnostic purposes and that the results will be used to plan your treatment.
Referral from your doctor
Once your doctor has decided that you need a diagnostic procedure, they will give you a written referral. A referral is an official form that documents your doctor's request for a specific procedure and explains why it is needed.
What a referral includes
A referral usually includes the following information:
- Your full name and date of birth
- Your Alberta Health Care Card number (Alberta Health Care Card)
- Your doctor's name and contact information
- The type of procedure you need (e.g., abdominal ultrasound, chest X-ray)
- The reason you need the procedure (e.g., suspected pregnancy, chest pain)
- Any special instructions or notes for the technologist (e.g., “possible pregnancy”)
- The urgency of the procedure (routine or urgent)
- The date the referral was issued and the doctor's signature
How to obtain a referral
Your doctor can give you a copy of the requisition to take to the clinic, or they can fax the requisition directly to the clinic. If your doctor has not given you a copy, be sure to ask for one before you visit the diagnostic clinic.
The process of booking diagnostic procedures
Public diagnostic procedures through Alberta Health Services
Most diagnostic procedures in Alberta, including ultrasounds, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, are covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This means you can book these procedures at no cost if you have a valid Alberta Health Care Card.
How to book a public procedure
The process of booking a public diagnostic procedure usually involves the following steps:
- Obtain a referral from your doctor
- Identify which diagnostic imaging clinics are available near you
- Contact the clinic by phone, fax, or online to make an appointment
- Provide the necessary information for the appointment (name, date of birth, Alberta Health Care Card number)
- Get the date and time of the appointment
- Remember the date and time and arrive for your appointment on time
Wait times for public procedures
Wait times for public diagnostic procedures in Alberta vary significantly depending on the type of procedure and the current workload at the clinic. Studies show that the average wait time for a CT scan is approximately nine weeks, and for an MRI, approximately 18 weeks. Waiting times for ultrasounds and X-rays are generally shorter.
Booking diagnostic procedures at major private clinics in Edmonton
MIC Medical Imaging
MIC Medical Imaging is one of the largest private providers of diagnostic imaging in Edmonton, with 15 convenient locations in Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and Fort Saskatchewan. MIC offers ultrasounds, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, bone densitometry, and other diagnostic services.
How to book an appointment at MIC
MIC offers several ways to book an appointment:
Online booking: MIC has a new online management portal called Patient Connection, which allows patients to book appointments 24/7 from anywhere. On Patient Connection, you can book ultrasounds, X-rays, bone densitometry, mammograms, and other procedures. You will need a referral from your doctor to book an appointment.
Phone Booking: You can also call the MIC Central Booking Team at 1-800-355-1755. Central Booking Team hours of operation:
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Sunday and holidays: closed
To make an appointment, you will need to have the following information ready:
- Your Alberta Health Care Card number
- The type of procedure you need
- A referral from your doctor
- Some medical information (e.g., whether you are pregnant or have diabetes)
Cost: Procedures at MIC that are covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance are free. If you want to get your procedure done faster, you can use MIC's private service for an additional fee.
Insight Medical Imaging
Insight Medical Imaging is another large diagnostic imaging provider in Edmonton that offers ultrasounds, X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Insight also offers a walk-in X-ray service.
How to make an appointment with Insight
Insight offers several ways to make an appointment:
Online request form: You can fill out an online appointment request form on the Insight website. An Insight staff member will contact you to confirm your appointment.
Phone Appointments: You can call Insight at the following numbers:
- Local: 780.930.1593
- Long distance: 1.855.930.1593
Hours of operation for appointments:
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday and holidays: Closed
Walk-in X-rays: Insight offers walk-in X-rays at most of their locations. This means you can come in without an appointment and get an X-ray.
Documents required for an appointment
- Alberta Health Care Card
- Your doctor's name
- Referral from your doctor
- Current contact information
Cost: Procedures at Insight that are covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance are free. Insight also offers private services for an additional fee.
Canada Diagnostics
Canada Diagnostics is a private diagnostic imaging clinic located in Edmonton. Canada Diagnostics offers MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, and other diagnostic services.
How to make an appointment at Canada Diagnostics
You can make an appointment at Canada Diagnostics by phone or fax:
Phone reservations:
- Edmonton: 780-341-6000
- Long distance: 1-877-420-4232
Reservation center hours:
- Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Fax reservations:
- Fax (Edmonton): 403-253-4669
- Fax (long distance): 1-877-919-3291
You can send a copy of your requisition to the fax number, and Canada Diagnostics will contact you to schedule your appointment.
Scheduling Blood Tests
Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL)
Alberta Precision Laboratories is a government-owned laboratory that provides blood collection and laboratory testing services at most locations in Alberta, including Edmonton. APL offers both appointment-based and walk-in services.
How to make an appointment with APL
There are several ways to make an appointment with APL:
Online booking: APL has an online booking tool that is available 24/7. You can visit the APL website and book your appointment online.
Phone Booking: You can call APL at:
- Bookings: 1-877-702-4486
Hours of operation for phone bookings:
- Monday - Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Walk-in service: APL also accepts walk-in patients at most of its locations. You can come in anytime during business hours and have your blood drawn.
Extended hours: Some APL locations in Calgary have extended hours, including Saturdays and Sundays.
Documents required for registration
- Alberta Health Care Card
- Referral from your doctor
Cost: Laboratory tests ordered by your doctor and covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance are free of charge.
Walk-in Lab Services in Edmonton
In addition to APL, there are several other lab services in Edmonton that accept walk-in patients:
Alberta Precision Laboratories Patient Service Centres: APL has several Patient Service Centres in Edmonton that accept both scheduled appointments and walk-in patients. You can use the “save my place” feature on the APL website to save your place in line without having to make an appointment for a specific time.
Preparing for a Diagnostic Procedure
General Preparation for All Procedures
Regardless of the type of diagnostic procedure you are planning, it is important to follow these preparation steps:
Keep your documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents before visiting the clinic:
- Alberta Health Care Card (valid card)
- Photo ID (passport, driver's license, or other official document)
- Referral from your doctor (if the doctor did not send it directly to the clinic)
- Any previous diagnostic test results, if available
Arriving on time: Make sure you arrive at the clinic on time, primarily to fill out any necessary forms. It is recommended that you arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
Notification of special conditions: When making your appointment, inform the clinic of any special medical conditions that may affect your procedure. For example, if you have a pacemaker, you cannot have an MRI. If you may be pregnant, inform the clinic.
Specific preparation by type of procedure
Abdominal ultrasound (belly ultrasound)
For an abdominal ultrasound, you usually need special preparation:
- Fasting: You must fast (not eat) for 6-8 hours before your belly ultrasound. This means you should not eat any solid food before the procedure.
- Fluids: You may drink water and take small sips
- Medication: You may take your regular medication with a small amount of water
- Appointment time: It is recommended to have the ultrasound in the morning when you are well-rested after a night's sleep
Pelvic ultrasound (Small pelvis ultrasound)
For a pelvic ultrasound, you may need different preparation:
- Full bladder: 30-60 minutes before the ultrasound, you should drink water and refrain from urinating to create a full bladder. This helps to obtain better images
- Amount of water: Drink approximately 400-600 ml of water, but do not overdrink, as this may cause stomach distension
X-rays
X-rays do not usually require any special preparation. However, you must inform the clinic if you may be pregnant.
MRI
MRI scans require special preparation because MRIs use powerful magnets:
- Metal objects: You must remove all metal objects before an MRI, including jewelry, shoes with metal parts, hair clips, and glasses
- Pacemaker or implants: If you have a pacemaker, metal ear implant, intra-abdominal aneurysm clip, or other metal implants, inform the clinic before your MRI, as you may not be able to have an MRI
- Claustrophobia: If you are afraid of enclosed spaces, notify the clinic, as the MRI machine is an enclosed space
Blood tests
Most blood tests require special preparation:
- Fasting: For most blood tests, you will need to fast (not eat) for 10 hours before the test. This means you should not eat any solid food or drink anything except water.
- Black coffee: Black coffee without milk or sugar is allowed
- Medications: You may take your regular medications with a small amount of water
- Appointment time: It is recommended to have your blood test in the morning after fasting overnight
Obtaining the results of the diagnostic procedure
Time to obtain results
The time it takes to get the results of a diagnostic procedure depends on the type of procedure and the complexity of the test:
Ultrasound, X-rays, and other imaging procedures: Results are usually available within 2-5 business days after the procedure. For complex cases, results may take longer. For urgent cases, results may be available on the same day.
MRI and CT scans: MRI and CT scan results are usually available within a week or two after the procedure. However, for complex cases, it may take longer.
Blood tests: Blood test results are usually available within 1-3 days, depending on the type of test.
How to access your results
MyHealth Records: If you had a diagnostic procedure at an Alberta Health Services hospital or clinic, you can access your results through the MyHealth Records system. Results are usually available within 48 hours of the procedure. If you do not see your report within seven days, contact the doctor who ordered the test.
Contacting the clinic directly: You can also contact the clinic where you had the procedure to request your results.
Contact your doctor: Your doctor will receive a copy of your procedure results from the clinic. Your doctor will then review the results with you during your next appointment.
Private diagnostic services and cost
When to consider private services
If the wait times for public diagnostic procedures are too long, or if you want to have the procedure sooner, you may want to consider private diagnostic services. Private services may offer faster wait times, but they cost money.
Cost of private diagnostic procedures
The cost of private diagnostic procedures in Edmonton varies depending on the type of procedure:
Private MRI:
- MIC Medical Imaging: $850 for an MRI (without contrast), $1,000 with contrast
- Insight Medical Imaging: $600-$1,200 depending on the type of MRI
- CAMIS: $650-$3,000 depending on the type of MRI (e.g., routine brain MRI $650, cardiac MRI $2,000)
Private CT scan:
- Insight Medical Imaging: $249-$949 depending on the type of CT scan
Private ultrasound: Prices are not usually published, but vary depending on the type of ultrasound and clinic
Insurance for private procedures
If you choose a private diagnostic procedure, it is important to know that some private insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost. It is recommended that you check with your insurance company to see what is covered.
Frequently asked questions about booking diagnostic procedures
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
For most diagnostic procedures covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance, you need a referral from a doctor. However, some procedures, such as screening mammograms, can be performed without a referral.
Can I book without a doctor?
If you don't have a family doctor, you can get a referral from a walk-in clinic, nurse, or virtual care doctor. In addition, some private laboratories allow you to order your own tests without a referral from a doctor.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
Waiting times depend on the type of procedure and the clinic's current workload. Some procedures, such as X-rays, may have shorter wait times, while MRIs may have longer wait times. Private clinics often have shorter wait times than public clinics.
What if I can't make my appointment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, be sure to contact the clinic as soon as possible. Most clinics ask that you give them at least 24 hours' notice before your appointment.
Conclusions about booking diagnostic procedures in Edmonton
Booking diagnostic procedures in Edmonton is a simple process if you follow the right steps. The first step is to obtain a referral from your doctor. The second step is to choose the clinic where you want to have the procedure, depending on your availability and wait time. The third step is to make an appointment by phone, fax, email, or online.
It is important to prepare for the procedure by following any special instructions provided by the clinic, such as fasting, drinking water, or removing metal objects. This will ensure that the procedure is successful and that you receive the most accurate results.
Once you have had the procedure, the results are usually available within a few days. You can access the results through MyHealth Records or by contacting the clinic directly.
If the wait times for public procedures are too long, you may want to consider private diagnostic services, which often have shorter wait times but cost money. By using this guide, you can easily book diagnostic procedures in Edmonton and get the medical care you need.