Patients have the option to choose to directly pay a private facility for a CT scan in Saskatchewan. Private facilities that conduct a private CT scan must also provide a second scan at no charge to an individual who is waiting on the public list.
The process
A physician referral is required to obtain a CT, to ensure all CTs conducted in Saskatchewan are medically necessary. If you have already been referred for a CT scan and are interested in completing a private CT scan, contact your ordering physician or a licensed CT facility to determine if this is a viable option for you and to have your referral redirected to a licensed CT facility.
If your physician determines that you need a CT scan and you are interested in completing a private CT scan, talk to your ordering physician. Once a referral from an appropriate physician is obtained, a person wishing to pay for a CT will take that referral directly to a licensed private facility to book an appointment, or have their ordering physician send the referral on their behalf. Only specially-trained physicians with appropriate privileges in the area where they practice may order a CT in Saskatchewan.
After completing a private CT scan, the private facility will provide a scan of similar complexity to a patient on the public list, at no charge to that second patient. Using a list of names provided by health providers, the private facility will contact the first individual waiting on the public list, offering two opportunities to receive the scan within 14 days. If that person is not available, the facility will move to the next patient on the list. Within seven days of providing the second scan, the CT facility will notify the health authority that the service has been completed, to assist with keeping the public list up to date.
As this is a private service, government will not set the price of a private CT scan. Each private facility will set its own price based on factors that include complexity of scan, market demand and its own business model. Any patient who chooses to pay for CT services offered by a private facility will not be eligible for cost coverage or reimbursement from the provincial government.
Licensed private-pay CT facilities
- Please contact a licensed facility directly for information about services.
- You must have a referral from your specially-trained physician with appropriate privileges in the area where they practice.
- Cost of a CT exam will be dependent upon the type of CT exam that your doctor has ordered and is not eligible for reimbursement by the Ministry of Health.