X-Ray, Ultrasound, MRI Referral
Your physiotherapist will determine if an x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI referral is warranted or necessary for your injury condition either at the time of assessment or during the course of your treatment.
Imaging can help us diagnose your injury
Physiotherapists who have completed a post-graduate course on diagnostic imaging through the University of Alberta and are registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta are authorized to refer patients for diagnostic imaging.
Some Frequently Asked Questions about Diagnostic Imaging
As of October 6, 2022, X-rays and ultrasounds referred by a physiotherapist are covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Please note: MRI referrals are not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). MRI referrals are still available through your physiotherapist at Calgary Core Physiotherapy if the patient would like to pay for the MRI privately.
Your physiotherapist is under no obligation to refer you for any of these tests if he or she does not consider the test to be medically necessary and/or will change the course of your treatment. Your physiotherapist may need to communicate with your family physician prior to ordering any diagnostic imaging tests.
Diagnostic imaging tests can assist in gaining further information to confirm a diagnosis, determine a different course of treatment, or referral to another health care practitioner.
Your physiotherapist is under no obligation to refer you for any of these tests if he or she does not consider the test to be medically necessary and/or will change the course of your treatment. Your physiotherapist may need to communicate with your family physician prior to ordering any diagnostic imaging tests.
X-rays are used to assess bones and joints for possible fractures, dislocations, or joint conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Diagnostic ultrasound is used to assess tendons and muscles for possible tears or inflammation, such as rotator cuff tears or Achilles strains/tears.
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is the most detailed form of diagnostic imaging. It is used to assess joints, nerves, and other soft tissue structures in great detail for such conditions as ligament or meniscal injuries in the knee or disc protrusions in the spine.
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