Getting a Diagnostic Imaging Form Has Never Been Easier
Medical imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs help doctors diagnose and monitor health concerns by giving them a clear picture of what’s happening inside your body. In British Columbia, every imaging test requires a doctor’s order, known as a requisition or referral. Without one, even private imaging clinics can’t book you in.
That’s where Walk In comes in. Our online doctors are licensed in BC and can review your symptoms over a short virtual consultation, then issue an imaging requisition form if it’s medically appropriate. From a routine X-ray for a suspected sprain to an ultrasound for ongoing investigations, we’ve got you covered.
How to Book a Medical Imaging Requisition Online in BC
Here’s how the process for getting a medical imaging requisition works at Walk In:
- Step 1: Schedule an online appointment. Click Book Now and find an appointment time that works for you.
- Step 2: Meet with a licensed BC doctor. During your telehealth visit, the doctor will review your symptoms, ask about your medical history, and decide whether imaging is medically appropriate.
- Step 3: Receive your requisition. Your requisition can be emailed straight to you or sent directly to the imaging facility of your choice.
Once your imaging results are available, the doctors at Walk In can help you understand the results and organize any follow-up care that may be required.
What Medical Imaging Can Walk In Order?
From routine scans to more detailed investigations, Walk In’s online doctors can order a wide range of medical imaging and diagnostic imaging tests. For example, we may issue a requisition for:
- X-ray — Get an X-ray requisition for suspected fractures, joint injuries, or other musculoskeletal concerns.
- Ultrasound — An ultrasound referral for abdominal, pelvic, obstetric, or thyroid scans.
- CT scan — A CT scan request form for imaging of the chest, abdomen, head, or other area.
- Mammogram — A mammogram referral for breast screening, routine or symptom-driven.
- Bone density (DEXA) scan — A bone density requisition for osteoporosis screening and bone health monitoring.
Please note: There are situations in which an in-person evaluation may be required (before or after your scan). Your doctor will provide advice on this during the appointment.
Why Get an Imaging Requisition Through Walk In?
When you need a scan, the last thing you want is to spend hours waiting at a traditional walk in clinic just to get the paperwork. Our BC-licensed doctors can help you skip the queue by issuing a medical imaging requisition online, without the wait or the travel.
Appointments at Walk In are covered by MSP for insured BC residents, so there’s typically no charge to see the doctor or to get your requisition. Public imaging tests are also covered under MSP when ordered for a valid medical reason. Private imaging is paid out of pocket, but your Walk In requisition is accepted at both public imaging services and private imaging clinics across BC.
FAQs About Medical Imaging Requisitions in BC
Still have questions about getting a medical imaging requisition online in BC? Find answers below, including what a medical imaging requisition is, how long it’s valid, and where you can use it.
Where do I book medical imaging near me?
You can book an imaging appointment with a medical imaging facility. In British Columbia, the most common facilities are operated by private companies such as West Coast Medical Imaging or Greig & Associates. Alternatively, a requisition can be taken to a hospital’s imaging department. You may need to call ahead of time to book an appointment.
Do X-rays expose you to radiation?
Yes, X-rays do release a very small amount of ionizing radiation in order to display pictures of the organs, tissues, and bones. An chest X-ray, for example, is equivalent to about 0.1 mSv (millisieverts). This is about the same amount of radiation people are exposed to naturally over the course of about 10 days.
What is a medical imaging requisition?
A medical imaging requisition — also called a diagnostic imaging requisition or referral — is an official order from a doctor that allows you to access medical imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs. So what is a requisition, exactly? It’s a document that tells the imaging facility which scans your doctor has ordered and authorises them to perform the tests. Most imaging facilities in BC (including private clinics and hospital imaging departments) won’t see you for imaging without one.
How long is a medical imaging requisition valid for in BC?
Medical imaging requisitions in BC are typically valid for six months from the date they’re issued, though some specialised scans may have shorter validity periods. If your requisition expires before you’ve used it, you’ll need to book another appointment to have a new one issued.
Can I get an X-ray without a referral in BC?
In BC, you need a doctor’s order to get an X-ray, even at a walk in imaging clinic. There’s no such thing as X-ray self-referral here — all medical imaging requires a requisition or referral from a licensed physician. The same applies to ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs. Walk In’s online doctors can issue the requisition you need over a quick virtual appointment, often the same day.
Can a walk in clinic order an MRI or CT scan?
Family physicians at walk in clinics, (including virtual walk in clinics) can order MRIs, CT scans, and other medical imaging when clinically appropriate. The order is made through a medical imaging requisition, which you can take to a public or private imaging facility.
Where can I take my medical imaging requisition?
You can take a Walk In medical imaging requisition to most BC imaging providers, including:
- Private imaging clinics like West Coast Medical Imaging, Canada Diagnostic Centres, and Greig & Associates
- Hospital imaging departments operated by Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, Island Health, Interior Health, and Northern Health
Is private medical imaging covered by MSP?
Private medical imaging is not covered by MSP. You’ll generally pay out of pocket for imaging at a private clinic, with costs varying by scan type. Public imaging is covered by MSP when ordered by an MSP-enrolled physician for a valid medical reason. Your telehealth appointment with a Walk In doctor is covered by MSP for insured BC residents.
What’s the difference between a referral and a requisition?
In the context of medical imaging and iagnostic imaging, “referral” and “requisition” mean the same thing — both refer to the doctor’s order that authorises you to access imaging tests. You may also see it called a request form or an imaging form. Whatever it’s called, it’s the document you need to take to the imaging facility before they’ll book you in.