Private MRI option nets 900 freebie scans

Feb. 29, 2016

The date legislation came into force allowing Saskatchewan patients to directly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Facilities that conduct a private MRI scan must provide a second scan at no charge to an individual who is on the public waiting list.

10

The total number of MRI scanners accessible to Saskatchewan residents.

7

MRI scanners located in Saskatchewan hospitals — four in Saskatoon, two in Regina and one in Moose Jaw.

3

Community-based scanners: Two in Regina at Mayfair Diagnostics and Open Skies MRI Diagnostics and one at Lloydminster (located on the Alberta side). Mayfair Diagnostics also provides contracted services to the RQHR for the provision of 5,500 exams per year.

534

Private MRI scans done between Feb. 29 and June 30. This includes patients and other organizations such as the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) and SGI.

370

Secondary scans provided at no additional cost to the health system between Feb. 29 and June 30. The remaining 164 are in the process of being scheduled.

7,197

Saskatchewan patients waiting for an MRI as of Feb. 29. This is the most up-to-date information the Ministry of Health has available until all health regions report similar information. When that information is available, the ministry will post wait list numbers online.

$475-$725 and up

The average cost of a public scan, which depends on complexity and with/out contrast. The average cost of a private scan is not available. As this is a private service, the government does not set the price of a private MRI. Each private facility sets its own price based on factors that include the complexity of the scan, market demand and its own business model.