Complete guide to Canadian hospital radiology services — X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, mammography, PACS and RIS systems, provincial imaging wait times, Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) guidelines, and radiology software.
Canadian MRI wait times can be 12-40 weeks (elective). PACS enables digital imaging and sharing. CAR sets referral guidelines. This guide covers Canadian radiology.
Imaging Modalities
| Modality | Description | Canadian Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| X-ray | Plain radiography | Same day - 1 week |
| CT | Computed tomography | 2-8 weeks (urgent), 8-20 weeks (elective) |
| MRI | Magnetic resonance imaging | 4-12 weeks (urgent), 12-40 weeks (elective) |
| Ultrasound | Ultrasound imaging | 1-4 weeks |
| Mammography | Breast imaging | 2-8 weeks |
| Fluoroscopy | Real-time X-ray | 1-4 weeks |
| Nuclear medicine | SPECT, PET | 2-8 weeks |
| Interventional radiology | Image-guided procedures | 1-4 weeks |
Radiology Workflow
- Referral: Doctor refers imaging (use CAR appropriateness criteria)
- Scheduling: Schedule imaging (priority-based)
- Preparation: Patient preparation (contrast, fasting)
- Imaging: Radiographer performs imaging
- Reporting: Radiologist reports (target < 48 hours)
- Distribution: Report distributed to EHR and referring doctor
- PACS storage: Images stored in PACS and provincial repository
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Canadian imaging wait times?
- Canadian imaging wait times (CIHI): 1) CT — 2-8 weeks (urgent), 8-20 weeks (elective), 2. MRI — 4-12 weeks (urgent), 12-40 weeks (elective), 3. Ultrasound — 1-4 weeks, 4. Mammography — 2-8 weeks. Wait times vary significantly by province and region. MRI wait times are the longest. Provincial targets vary. Private MRI clinics exist in some provinces to reduce wait times.
- What is PACS and how is it used in Canadian hospitals?
- PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) stores and distributes medical images. Canadian hospitals use PACS for: 1) Image storage (replaces film), 2. Image viewing (workstations, mobile), 3. Image sharing (between hospitals), 4. Provincial PACS (e.g., Ontario Diagnostic Imaging Repository — DI-R), 5. Integration with RIS and EHR. PACS enables remote reading and teleradiology.
- What is CAR and what guidelines does it provide?
- CAR (Canadian Association of Radiologists) provides: 1) Diagnostic imaging referral guidelines (appropriateness criteria), 2. Wait time benchmarks, 3. Quality standards, 4. Teleradiology standards, 5. AI in radiology guidance. CAR guidelines help doctors choose the right imaging test. CAR advocates for reduced wait times and improved imaging access.