Why Get a Private-Pay MRI?
If receiving your MRI results is time-sensitive, private-pay MRIs allow you to get in sooner, typically within 2 business days. You will also receive a copy of the report and your images, which is especially useful if you plan on going to a specialist or other provider for related procedures.
Did you know...
MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves, not radiation, to create detailed images of organs and tissues, making it a safe and effective diagnostic tool
Private-Pay MRI Scans At CAMIS
High Resolution, Three-Dimensional Images
GE Voyager, 1.5T, with Air ReconDL
For Patients Up To 550 lbs
What Is The Cost Of A Private-Pay MRI?
The starting price is $650. The price is determined based on the body part being imaged and whether or not contrast imaging is required. Discounts may apply for multiple exams being conducted on the same day.
| Routine Brain | $650.00 |
Specialized Brain
|
$750.00 |
| Spine (one area) | $750.00 |
| Whole Spine | $1,500.00 |
| Knee | $700.00 |
| All other joints or single body areas (e.g. shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, ankle, foot, chest wall, thigh) | $750.00 |
| Joint with Arthrogram | $950.00 |
| Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) | $800.00 |
| Abdomen | $800.00 |
| Pelvis | $800.00 |
| Abdomen & Pelvis | $1,200.00 |
| Prostate (includes contrast) | $975.00 |
| Chest Wall | $800.00 |
| Cardiac (includes contrast) | $2,000.00 |
| 3 Areas | $2,000.00 |
| 4 Areas | $2,400.00 |
| IV Contrast | $200.00 |
| Whole Body MRI | $3,000.00 |
*All prices are subject to change without notice
Understanding Private-Pay MRI Options
Why patients choose private-pay: the results are time-sensitive, they’re seeing a specialist and want their images with them, or they want more appointment times (bookings until 11pm on weeknights).
Same care, faster access: the same GE Voyager 1.5T scanner and MRI team, just booked sooner. Please confirm this with CAMIS before publishing.
How Private-Pay Booking Works
- Get a referral from your doctor
- Call or book online
- Go through the safety screening with the MRI booking specialist
- Have your scan (15–45 minutes)
- Get your report and images
Preparing For Your Appointment
PATIENT PREPARATION
- You can not have an MRI if you have a pacemaker or certain surgically implanted devices.
- Our MRI booking specialist will review an MRI safety screening form with you. Inform our MRI booking specialist if there is a chance of pregnancy.
- Take all medications as necessary.
- 4 hour fasting is required for all abdominal and pelvic studies.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing with no metal or zippers.
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- Arrive 30 minutes early.
Private MRI procedures are not covered by Alberta Health Care
Referrals are necessary for all bookings
Exam Duration: 15 – 45mins
Common Questions About MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
What if I am travelling from out of town for my appointment? (Red Deer Only)
We are pleased to offer a preferred hotel rate at the Red Deer Resort & Casino for patients travelling to our Red Deer clinics.
This may be a convenient option if you:
- Are travelling from out of town
- Have multiple exams scheduled on the same day
- Prefer to arrive the day before your appointment
- Have an early morning appointment
Please ask our team about these special rates when booking.
Do I need a referral from a physician?
Yes, for all exams, a valid referral (requisition) from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner is required. We cannot perform your service without this referral.
How do I get my MRI results?
After your MRI exam is completed, our radiologists will meticulously interpret your images. A comprehensive report will then be sent directly to your referring physician or healthcare provider. Your doctor is responsible for reviewing these results with you, explaining their meaning, and discussing any necessary follow-up care or treatment plans. We do not release results directly to patients.
What are the side effects of MRI contrast injection?
While generally safe, side effects from an MRI contrast injection (gadolinium-based contrast agent) can occur, ranging from mild to very rare severe reactions. Common mild side effects may include a temporary cold sensation at the injection site, nausea, or headache. Very rarely, more serious allergic reactions can happen. It is crucial to inform your physician and our technologists about any allergies, kidney problems, or other medical conditions you have before receiving contrast. We encourage you to discuss any concerns you may have prior to your exam.
How can I manage claustrophobia during an MRI Scan?
We understand that claustrophobia can be a significant concern for MRI Exams. If you experience severe claustrophobia, we strongly recommend discussing the possibility of a prescribed sedative medication with your referring physician prior to your appointment. Our highly experienced MRI staff are very adept at working with anxious patients, and many individuals are able to complete their MRI Scan comfortably without medication through our supportive environment and open-bore system. Please inform us of your concerns when booking so we can best prepare for your visit.
Why is an eye X-Ray needed before an MRI?
An X-Ray of your eyes is specifically required before an MRI if you have a history of an eye injury that involved metal fragments (e.g., from grinding, welding, or shrapnel) and required medical treatment. This is a crucial safety precaution to rule out any metallic foreign bodies in or near your eyes, as the strong magnetic field of the MRI could cause them to move and cause serious injury.
What MRI services are offered at CAMIS?
At CAMIS, we offer a comprehensive range of MRI examinations to address various diagnostic needs. This includes most common MRI procedures, as well as specialized scans such as MR Arthrography (for joint imaging).
Currently, we do not perform perfusion studies or dedicated breast MRI examinations.
Please consult with your referring physician to determine the most appropriate MRI for your condition.
Can I get a private MRI in Alberta?
Yes, CAMIS proudly offers a private pay option for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) services, providing faster access to diagnostic imaging. These services are outside of the publicly funded healthcare system. For detailed pricing information, specific scan availability, and to book your private MRI, please call us directly at 403-755-1060 or visit CAMIS Private MRI Services.
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Contact our CAMIS Care team to ask questions or to learn more about our services.
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