Computed Tomography (CT) Wait Times

What is the wait time to have a CT scan?

On average, you can expect to wait:  

Timeframe:  as of September 30, 2023

What are the wait time targets for CT scans?

Emergency patients:  Within 48 hours
Urgent patients:  Within 14 days
Semi-urgent patients:  Within 28 days
Non-urgent (or routine) patients:  Within 56 days

Wait time targets are based on data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

How is the wait time measured?

The wait time measured is from the date your CT scan request is received until the date your CT scan is performed.

This does not include the wait time from your visit with your physician and the referral received for an CT scan.

What influences a wait time?

Your wait time may be influenced by:

• demand for service;
• resources;
• your own request or cancellation of a CT scan;
• vacation/time-off; or
• holidays.

What is the wait time data?

• CT Wait Times Data (Jan 2019 – September 2023)
• CT Wait Times Data Comparison (April 2019 – September 2023)

What other information is available?

For more information about computed tomography, visit Diagnostic Imaging Services or the Canadian Association of Radiologists website.