Private MRI

A diagnostic MRI is often a good test when your provider needs detailed images of soft tissues or nerves, or when X‑rays and ultrasound don’t fully explain your symptoms.

It might be right for you if:

• You have persistent pain, weakness, numbness, or swelling that hasn’t improved
• Your provider suspects a ligament, meniscus, disc, nerve, cartilage, or brain/spinal cord issue
• The result will change the treatment plan (for example: rehab vs injection vs surgery)

An MRI might not be the best first test if:

• A simpler test will answer the question (X‑ray, ultrasound, CT)
• You have certain implants or devices that are not MRI‑safe (some are safe—this is individual)
• You cannot tolerate lying still in a tight space without support (though options exist)

Yes, you do need a referral for private MRI scans in Canada. However, you can generally contact the centre directly, and they will assist with setting up the referral for you.

What happens next depends on why you had the MRI. A screening MRI is a broad “check everything” scan, while a diagnostic MRI is a high‑detail scan of one specific area.

After a Screening (Preventative) MRI

1. Your images get read by a radiologist
   
   • A radiologist (a doctor trained to read scans) reviews the full set of images and writes a report.
2. You get a report (and usually a “next steps” note)
   
   • Because screening MRIs scan a lot of body parts quickly, results often fall into 3 buckets:‍
     
     1. Normal / no concerning findings
     2. Incidental findings (common): small cysts, mild disc bulges, benign-looking spots that often mean nothing‍
     3. Something unclear that needs a closer look‍
3. If something shows up, you may need follow‑up testing
   
   • Screening MRIs are meant to spot potential issues, but they don’t always confirm exactly what something is. Next steps might be:
     
     1. A diagnostic MRI of one area (higher detail, sometimes with contrast)
     2. An ultrasound (common for kidneys, thyroid, gallbladder, soft tissue lumps)
     3. A CT scan or X‑ray (depending on the body part)
     4. Bloodwork or a specialist referral
4. You decide what to do with the information
   
   • If findings are minor, you may just:
     
     1. Monitor symptoms
     2. Share the report with your family doctor
     3. Repeat imaging later if recommended

After a Diagnostic MRI

1. Your images are read with a specific question in mind. Diagnostic MRIs usually answer a clear question like:
   
   • “Is this a torn meniscus?”
   • “Is there a slipped disc pressing on a nerve?”
   • “Is this lump benign or suspicious?”
   • The radiologist’s report is usually more focused and actionable.
2. Your doctor reviews the report and connects it to your symptoms. The MRI result matters most when it matches your exam and symptoms.
3. You get a plan
   
   • Common next steps include:
     • No surgery needed: physio, targeted rehab, meds, injections, activity modification
     • Specialist referral: orthopedics, neurology, neurosurgery, ENT, urology, etc.
     • Further imaging: if contrast is needed, if the view wasn’t clear, or if more areas need scanning
     • Procedure planning: MRI can guide surgery, injections, or treatment timing
4. Treatment can start sooner. This is a big reason people go private: once you have a clear diagnosis, you can stop guessing and start the right treatment plan.