Yes, you can. As with bloodwork, any clinician who sees you can order imaging when it is appropriate. This can be a doctor at a walk-in clinic, or a nurse practitioner.
Which tests, and the requisition
This applies to X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and even MRIs. All of them need a requisition. You can't simply go to a diagnostic imaging clinic and ask for a test, even if you are paying out of pocket.
Getting your requisition
Once you see a clinician, they will give you a requisition. It is often made out for one particular clinic, with that clinic's letterhead and address. That doesn't always mean you can only go to that clinic. Ask the clinician whether you can take it to any diagnostic imaging clinic in your community.
For tests done in a hospital, you generally have to go to that hospital. This is worth clarifying at the time.
What does it cost?
Diagnostic imaging tests are covered by OHIP when they are medically necessary.
How long will it take?
Wait times vary a lot.
- X-rays: you can generally walk in. Call the clinic ahead to make sure it isn't backed up and can fit you in that day.
- Ultrasounds, mammograms, bone mineral density tests, and most other tests: these are usually by appointment only. Call the clinic to arrange a time. If the wait is too long, you can shop around and call other clinics.
How to prepare
Preparation depends on the test.
- X-rays: you don't need to do anything. You should know whether you are pregnant.
- Ultrasounds: some require an empty stomach and a full bladder. Confirm this with the clinic ahead of time.
The instructions are generally on the requisition, or on a second page attached to it.
Your results
A radiologist, the doctor who reads scans, reads your test and writes a report. The report goes to the clinician who ordered the test. In most cases this takes about 24 hours, but it can take longer. Confirm the timing with the imaging clinic when you have your test.
The clinician who ordered the test usually gets only the report, not the images. The imaging clinic can often share the images with you for a small fee.
Ask the clinician how you will get your results. They may contact you only if there is a concern, or they may contact you either way. Or they may want you to book a follow-up appointment to go over the report and decide what to do next.
It can be hard to wait. Asking questions is right, and it is important.
If you also need bloodwork, see can I get bloodwork without a family doctor?