Computed Tomography (CT) Wait Times

What is the wait time to have a CT scan?

On average, you can expect to wait*:  

How are CT scans prioritized?

Each request for a CT scan is assessed by a radiologist to determine the urgency of the request and then is booked and done as follows:

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

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 [PDF | 64 KB] (April 2011 – March 2017) 
• CT Wait Times Data Comparison [PDF | 113 KB] (April 2009 – March 2017) 

What other information is available?

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

* This estimate is based on data collected for the latest period January to March 2017 from the RISPACS System.