Private Diagnostic Imaging in British Columbia: How Access Works
An objective look at the private imaging landscape in BC—understanding the rules, the costs, and the role it plays in your healthcare journey.
Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Access to private services is subject to provincial regulations. "Private" refers to non-MSP insured services or opted-out providers. No referral or access is guaranteed.
For many patients in British Columbia, the wait for a publicly funded MRI or CT scan can be a source of significant stress. While the public system prioritizes urgent, life-threatening cases, those with "non-urgent" conditions—such as chronic knee pain, suspected ligament tears, or lingering back issues—may face wait times ranging from several months to over a year.
Private diagnostic imaging exists as a parallel option permitted under provincial regulations. It allows individuals to pay out-of-pocket for immediate access to diagnostic tests. This guide explains exactly how this sector operates, the legal requirements for access, and the practical considerations for patients.
What Private Diagnostics Are (and Are Not)
It is crucial to understand the distinction between public and private delivery:
- Public (MSP): Medically necessary scans performed in hospitals are fully covered by the Medical Services Plan. Patients are triaged based on urgency. You cannot pay to jump the queue in a public hospital.
- Private (User-Pay): Private clinics operate independently of hospitals. They charge fees for services. Access is based on appointment availability rather than medical triage severity, provided you have a valid medical requisition.
The Requisition Requirement
A common misconception is that private clinics are "walk-in" services where you can order a scan for yourself. This is false.
Under Canadian regulations and radiation safety standards (for CT/X-ray), you must have a referral form (requisition) from a licensed doctor or nurse practitioner.
Why do I need a requisition?
- To ensure the test is medically appropriate for your symptoms.
- To specify exactly what body part and protocol (e.g., with or without contrast) is needed.
- To ensure there is a physician responsible for receiving and acting on the results.
Note: Private clinics cannot issue requisitions themselves. You must obtain one from your GP, a walk-in clinic doctor, or a telemedicine provider before booking.
Typical Reasons Patients Choose Private Imaging
Patients typically opt for private imaging in specific scenarios:
- Occupational Requirements: Self-employed individuals or workers who need to return to duty quickly and cannot afford months of reduced mobility.
- Peace of Mind: Individuals with unexplained symptoms who find the anxiety of waiting detrimental to their mental health.
- Third-Party Claims: Cases involving ICBC, WorkSafeBC, or legal disputes where a third party funds the scan to expedite the claim process.
- Sports Injuries: Athletes wishing to determine the extent of an injury immediately to plan rehabilitation or surgery.
Costs, Risks, and Limitations
While speed is the primary benefit, there are important factors to weigh:
Financial Cost
Costs are unregulated and vary by clinic. An MRI typically costs between $700 and $1,500. Complex scans (e.g., with contrast dye or arthrograms) cost more. These fees are generally not tax-deductible as a medical expense unless specific CRA criteria are met (consult a tax professional).
Care Fragmentation
When you test outside the hospital system, your results are sent to your referring doctor, but they may not immediately appear in the hospital's central electronic health record (depending on the health authority). You should always keep a physical or digital copy of your private scan report and disc to bring to future specialist appointments.
Incidental Findings
High-resolution scans sometimes detect "incidentalomas"—minor abnormalities that are harmless but trigger a cascade of further anxiety, testing, and medical visits.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception: "Private clinics have better machines."
Reality: Not necessarily. Major public hospitals often have the most advanced, research-grade 3T MRI scanners. Private clinics also use high-quality equipment, but "private" does not automatically mean "technologically superior."
Misconception: "I can pay to get my surgery done at the hospital faster."
Reality: No. Private diagnostics are separate from public hospital surgical queues. You cannot pay a public hospital to expedite your care.
Checklist: What to Ask Before Booking
- Is the facility accredited by the Diagnostic Accreditation Program (DAP)?
- Does the cost include the radiologist's report?
- How quickly will my doctor receive the results?
- Do you provide a copy of the images on a disc or USB?
- Is there an extra fee for contrast dye if needed?
Common Questions About Private Diagnostics
Can I pay for an MRI in BC?
Yes, you can pay for a private MRI in British Columbia at accredited private clinics. However, you must have a valid referral (requisition) from a doctor licensed in Canada. You cannot simply walk in and pay for a scan without a medical order.
How much does a private MRI cost in BC?
Private MRI scans in BC typically range from $700 to $1,500 depending on the body part being scanned and the complexity of the imaging. Some specialized scans may cost more.
Do I need a referral for a private CT scan?
Yes, a doctor's referral is legally required for all CT scans in BC, whether public or private, due to the exposure to ionizing radiation.
Does private insurance cover MRI costs?
MSP does not cover private MRI costs. However, some extended health benefits plans, WCB (WorkSafeBC) claims, or ICBC claims may cover the cost depending on your specific policy and situation.
Can I use a private MRI result for public surgery?
Yes. A diagnostic image is a medical record. You can take the report and images from a private clinic to your public specialist or surgeon to assist in your diagnosis and treatment planning.
Are private imaging clinics accredited?
Yes, all private diagnostic facilities in BC must be accredited by the Diagnostic Accreditation Program (DAP) under the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC to ensure safety and quality standards.
Educational information only. Not medical advice.
Related Guides
The medical order form required to book any diagnostic scan.
Mandatory safety certification for all BC diagnostic facilities.
Unexpected minor anomalies often found on high-res scans.
Find a Verified Clinic
Browse our directory of accredited private diagnostic facilities in British Columbia.
Need a Requisition?
You must see a doctor first. If you don't have a family doctor, walk-in clinics or telemedicine providers can assess if a scan is medically necessary.
Learn about referrals →