If your doctor has mentioned an X-ray, ultrasound, or other diagnostic imaging exam, one of the first questions patients ask is whether they need a referral, and how to actually get one to a clinic. In Ontario, the answer depends on the exam and how it is being paid for. This guide walks through how referrals work for OHIP-covered diagnostic imaging, which exams need one, and what to do if you are not yet sure where to start.
Quick Facts: Referrals for Diagnostic Imaging in Ontario
Most OHIP-covered exams require a physician or nurse practitioner requisition. Walk-in X-ray does not require an appointment, but still requires a valid requisition. Some patients aged 50 to 74 may qualify for OBSP screening mammograms without a physician requisition at participating sites. FibroScan requires a requisition and is not covered by OHIP.
How Referrals Work for OHIP-Covered Imaging
In Ontario, most diagnostic imaging exams covered by OHIP require a requisition, sometimes called a referral, from a physician or nurse practitioner. The requisition tells the imaging clinic which exam has been ordered and the clinical reason for it, which helps our technologists and radiologists focus on the right area and provide relevant, accurate results. General information on which services OHIP covers is available on the Government of Ontario’s website. Without a requisition, most OHIP-covered exams cannot be billed to the province, and a clinic generally cannot book the appointment.
Which Exams Need a Requisition
Requisition requirements are fairly consistent across most diagnostic imaging services, though there are a few notable differences worth knowing about.
X-ray still requires a valid requisition, but many clinics, including ours, offer walk-in X-ray during posted hours so you do not need to book an appointment in advance. See our X-ray page for details on walk-in hours.
Ultrasound, vascular ultrasound, bone density (BMD) testing, and cardiology testing such as ECG, echocardiogram, and Holter monitoring are performed by appointment with a physician requisition.
Mammography usually requires a requisition for diagnostic exams, but the Ontario Breast Screening Program allows some eligible patients aged 50 to 74 to arrange screening mammograms without one at participating sites; see our mammography page for eligibility details.
FibroScan (elastography) is performed by appointment with a physician requisition, and unlike most of the exams above, it is not covered by OHIP; see our FibroScan page for more information.
What to Do If You Do Not Have a Requisition Yet
If your doctor has recommended a diagnostic imaging exam but you have not received the paperwork, the simplest step is to contact their office and ask them to send the requisition directly to our clinic, or to hand it to you to bring with you to your appointment. Once we have a valid requisition on file, you can book your appointment online, or contact our clinic with any questions about your referral or which exam applies to your situation. To see the complete range of diagnostic imaging exams we offer in King City, visit our services page.
