Private MRI's in Canada

I've just had a private MRI (in Calgary)because my doc was looking for a recurrence (negative, thank God)and I didn't want to wait for the public MRI waiting list. I think all you need is a doctor's referral and enough money - mine was $900. That would be claimable as a medical expense on your tax return. And some (but not my) insurers might pay part. Good luck...
Alice

I had bilateral mastectomies and there's not much left to scan. However, Dr Taylor from Breast Cancer Supportive Care (do you know about BCSC? Absolutely tremendous support! And they can answer some of these questions) did tell me that MRI was a possibility if I had elected not to remove the second breast, but just to monitor it. But because I have a strong family history of BC and because I had LCIS in the affected breast, and the chance of developing lobular ca in the other breast is fairly high, I elected to have both breasts removed....I don't know why you couldn't press your onc on this....

The MRI I had was on my eye socket - and they were looking for a tumour, but the results were negative. I was terrified. Was glad to pay for the MRI to put my mind at rest....

Barb, can your doctor point you at a private diagnostic imaging centre? That's how I found the centre that MRI'd my head....Or if your cancer centre (Princess Margaret?) recommends, can you get one through OHIP?

Alice

Hi Barb

I do have the phone number for consulting company that arranges private MRI's out of Buffalo. I am not sure if that is too far for you to go. I believe the cost is about $500.

The number is 1-866-363-6747 and the website if you are interested is www.mridhs.com.

I have not used them but they say they can get MRI's the next day. Quite a difference from the wait times in Ontario.

Good Luck!
Sherri

Hi, I'm an Australian, 50 y.o., 2 months post mastectomy for DCIS. I had regular 12 monthly mammograms and DCIS wasn't picked up until it was extensive and grade 2/3. We don't have access to breast MRIs here in Australia and I have heard that they are much better at detecting DCIS than mammos. I would like to do all I can to ensure my right breast doesn't meet a similar fate and, as I am visiting my niece in Ontario, Canada in either November or February for about 3 weeks, I would really like to have an MRI done on my remaining breast. I wonder if I would be allowed to do this as a foreigner?

Thanks for your message Beesie. I will be staying at a place called Burlington. I just googled up a map and found Detroit & Buffalo and it seems that Burlington is on the main road to Detroit. I will investigate the possibilities.

I dont know if this is still timely for you but since Ive had 4 mri's(none were breast) in Buffalo let me give you the info I have.
I have dealt with both Proscan Imaging:
http://www.proscan.com/fw/main/_Buffalo-125.html
and Buffalo MRI(sorry dont have the web site).
I dont know if either do breast...I think proscan might, but the cost if you book yourself as opposed to through a service is about $465 without contrast and another $100 with.
Another imaging center which I know does breast MRI's and Ive been told they are very good is Windsong. They even have a section on their site for canadian patients.I havent had personal experience with them yet though. There web site is http://www.windsongradiology.com/index.php