CT scan wait times can be long for Alberta residents. Long wait times can delay critical care, reduce patient satisfaction, and increase the risk of complications.
Computed Tomography (CT) scans, are medical imaging tests that provide detailed cross-sectional images of the body. They use a combination of X-rays and computer technology to create pictures of organs, bones, and other tissues, enabling healthcare professionals to diagnose conditions, plan treatments, and assess disease progress.
⬇️ Scroll down to compare facilities by expected wait time. Confirm the current expected wait time with your primary care physician.
CT scans are available through hospitals and private imaging clinics. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) covers the cost of CT scans that are ordered by a doctor.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Alberta facilities with shortest wait times
- Alberta facilities with longest wait times
- Private options for CT scans
Introduction
Before undergoing a CT scan, patients may need a referral from their healthcare provider, who will assess the necessity of the scan based on the patient’s medical condition and history. The procedure involves the patient lying on a motorized table that slides into a donut-shaped scanner. As the scanner rotates around the patient, it emits X-rays and collects data that a computer processes to produce detailed images.
The process is usually quick, often completed within a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the area being scanned and whether contrast material is used. Contrast material, which may be administered orally, by injection, or rectally, enhances the visibility of certain areas or structures, providing clearer and more detailed images.
Post-scan, a radiologist—a doctor specialized in interpreting medical images—analyzes the CT scans and sends a report to the referring healthcare provider, who will discuss the results with the patient. These results can inform further diagnostic tests, treatment plans, or confirm the absence of certain medical conditions.
Alberta facilities with shortest CT scan wait times
Below are five top facilities in Alberta which have the shortest CT scan wait times:
- 🥇 Canmore General Hospital has the shortest wait time at 6 weeks for CT scans in Alberta
- 🥈 Chinook Regional Hospital, with an average wait time of 7 weeks for CT scans, ranks second for the shortest wait time in Alberta
- 🥉 Drumheller Health Centre, with an average wait time of 8 weeks for CT scans, ranks third for the shortest wait time in Alberta
- Northern Lights Regional Health Centre, with an average wait time of 8 weeks for CT scans, ranks fourth for the shortest wait time in Alberta
- Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, with an average wait time of 10 weeks for CT scans, ranks fifth for the shortest wait time in Alberta
Alberta facilities with longest CT wait times
Below are five top facilities in Alberta which have the longest CT wait times:
- 🐌 Sturgeon Community Hospital has the longest wait time at 46 weeks for CT scans in Alberta
- 🐢 University of Alberta Hospital, with an average wait time of 40 weeks for CT scans, ranks second for the longest wait time in Alberta
- 🦥 Grey Nuns Community Hospital, with an average wait time of 36 weeks for CT scans, ranks third for the longest wait time in Alberta
- Royal Alexandra Hospital, with an average wait time of 35 weeks for CT scans, ranks fourth for the longest wait time in Alberta
- Leduc Community Hospital, with an average wait time of 27 weeks for CT scans, ranks fifth for the longest wait time in Alberta
Private options for CT scans
In Alberta, while many CT scans are covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for medically necessary procedures, the province also offers private-pay options for those seeking quicker access or scans not deemed urgent by the public healthcare system. This private-pay route is an alternative for individuals looking to bypass the longer wait times often associated with non-urgent CTscans in the public system or for those requiring scans for reasons not covered by AHCIP, such as certain types of employment or insurance assessments.
Private-pay CT services in Alberta are provided by private clinics operating outside the public healthcare system. These clinics offer the same high-quality CT scans as those available through Alberta Health Services (AHS) but allow patients to access the service faster by paying out-of-pocket or through private health insurance, if available. The cost of a private CT scan can vary depending on the type of scan required and the specific clinic’s pricing structure.
Accessing CT scans through private-pay options involves contacting a private clinic directly or obtaining a referral from a healthcare provider. Although a referral might not always be necessary for a private CT, having one can ensure that the scan is appropriately targeted to address specific medical questions or concerns.
Private clinics in Alberta typically advertise their services online, providing details on how to book a scan, the types of scans available, and pricing information. Once an appointment is scheduled, patients can expect a straightforward process similar to that in the public system, including a pre-scan consultation to discuss the procedure and any necessary preparations.
Opting for a private-pay CT scan in Alberta can be particularly beneficial for individuals requiring timely diagnostic imaging to inform treatment decisions or those needing scans for non-medical purposes. While this option involves additional costs, it provides flexibility and reduced waiting times, contributing to quicker diagnoses and the initiation of necessary treatments.
Learn wait times for other medical procedures in Alberta: