Brian JonesWaiting a long time for an MRI can be annoying, especially if you’re in pain every day. Many people in Canada are left in limbo since wait times can last up to six months.
Thankfully, Edmonton’s private MRI clinics provide a quicker option, allowing you to have the information you require in a matter of days. However, there are differences in technology, cost and services among clinics.
While some clinics prioritize affordability or specialized services, others provide state-of-the-art technology. We’ve examined the best MRI clinic in Edmonton to help you make an informed choice so you can take charge of your health and avoid waiting.
How much do private MRI clinics cost in Edmonton?
Private MRI scans in Edmonton typically cost $550 to $1,000, depending on the clinic and the type of scan. Basic scans start around $550, while more detailed MRIs with contrast or multiple areas can cost up to $1,000.
1. MIC Medical Imaging – Century Park
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.mic.ca/ |
| SOCIAL MEDIA | https://www.instagram.com/micmedicalimaging |
| ADDRESS | 101 Street NW, Edmonton |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 780-426-1121 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00pm |
What stood out to us about MIC Medical Imaging is its impressive team. Its over 100 radiologists also work and interpret MRI results in Edmonton’s major hospitals, such as Alberta Hospital Edmonton, the University of Alberta, and Stollery Children’s Hospital.
On top of that, some of its radiologists are subspecialized. This means they’ve completed a clinical fellowship or an additional 1-3 years of training, making them even more knowledgeable.
We’re also impressed with the clinic’s technology. Apart from the Siemens Magnetom Espree 1.5T scanner that other clinics also use, MIC has a MAGNETOM 3T scanner. It allows radiologists to perform breast, prostate, and other exams that the 1.5T scanner can’t perform.
Patients we interviewed typically found the booking process easy, whether online or over the phone. Many also reported short waiting times, which is definitely a huge plus.
We’re just not big fans of their zero-tolerance policy toward late arrivals. While it helps keep wait times minimal, patients who encountered unexpected delays found it inconvenient.
Fast, caring service with same-day results
“Amazing. In and out in an hour with my results delivered to my physician on the same day. Staff were polite, helpful and made me feel genuinely cared for. Easy to get an appointment as well with their online system.”
- Lindsay Nichols, Google Review
Professional staff and exceptional service
“Epic!!!! From the call center, front staff, nurses, to doctors and technicians. Always kind, I always try to get Hys center any time I need imaging. When there are nervous individuals arriving at clinic those beautiful front staff just smile and everything seems better, and that smiling and kindness continues to other departs within clinic. Keep up the amazing work you all do!!!!”
- Troy Grabher, Google Review
2. Canada Diagnostics Centres
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://canadadiagnostics.ca/ |
| SOCIAL MEDIA | https://www.instagram.com/canadadiagnosticcentres |
| ADDRESS | 172-17010 90 Ave NW, Edmonton |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 780-484-1672 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon - Fri: 7:45am - 4:30pm
Sat - Sun: Closed |
Canada Diagnostic Centres made it to the list primarily for the high-quality of service it provides and the staff’s efficiency and professionalism.
Many patients we talked to really appreciated that appointments ran on time. In fact, even walk-ins for other services like X-rays are handled quickly. This is really important for us since no one wants to wait hours just to get an MRI scan.
Moreover, the staff are friendly and approachable. The patients we talked to said they didn’t have a hard time approaching anyone, from the receptionists to the technicians.
We also really appreciate that the technicians take the time to explain procedures clearly. This can be really helpful for patients getting an MRI scan for the first time. Although the scan isn’t really painful, we still get nervous whenever we do health scans, so it’s nice that the technicians are helpful.
A complimentary CD of MRI results is also provided, which some patients find useful for sharing with doctors or keeping for personal records.
One drawback, though, is the limited availability for certain tests, such as MRIs and CT scans. Some patients said same-week appointments are not always available, so they have to book well in advance.
Consistent and compassionate care
“Great care. I’ve used this location for 25-30 years. I like the consistency and knowing what to expect before I get to my appointment along with the extreme professional manner the team demonstrates every year. Courtesy and the willingness to smile and be gentle with patients makes all the difference. Both techs were clear in the communication with me and no surprises came up. Kudos to all involved.”
- N.G. Cameron, Google Review
Helpful staff, and prompt results
“Super helpful front desk and staff. Thorough examination and prompt result. I’m happy with the service I received.”
- Ms. Shay, Google Review
3. Insight Medical Imaging
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://x-ray.ca/ |
| SOCIAL MEDIA | https://www.instagram.com/insightmedicalimaging/ |
| ADDRESS | 200 Meadowlark Shopping CTR NW |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 780-438-0547 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon – Fri: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
For almost 75 years, Insight Medical Imaging has operated in Edmonton and the neighboring areas. Their lengthy history of service demonstrates their commitment to providing high-quality medical imaging.
The clinic’s state-of-the-art technology really stood out to us. They have both 1.5T and 3T MRI machines, which allow them to conduct a wider range of exams.
Plus, the machines have a 70cm bore diameter, 10cm bigger than standard scanners. This wider bore can help make the patients, especially those suffering from claustrophobia, feel more comfortable during the scan.
Many of the patients we talked to also praised the efficiency of their sessions. One was even amazed at how quickly the service was delivered, mentioning that it took less than 30 minutes to begin and end.
However, some have encountered communication challenges. There were delays in their doctors receiving MRI reports. There were instances where they had to send in multiple follow-ups just to resolve the issue.
Excellent service and kind staff
“Why not give 5 stars review to this location. Provides better service compared to other insight location that I’ve been to. Thankful to the male tech who did my ultrasound. He was so nice, very patient and explained every details to me while he was doing the ultrasound. Even the receptionist that assisted me when I arrived was nice too.”
- Ms. LJ, Google Review
Timely service and professional technician
“The reception is nice and welcoming, very polite and professional. I was called in on time and attended to by Kat. Such a lovely cheerful person who explained everything and made me feel at ease. She was engaging in conversation which helped distract me from the discomfort I had with a full bladder. Was done in 20 or so minutes. Thank you Kat. Your love for your work really shows! And Thank you Insight.”
- KumarsEDM, Google Review
4. Misericordia Community Hospital
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://covenanthealth.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 16940 87 Avenue NW |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 780-735-2547 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
Misericordia Community Hospital is an established healthcare center in Edmonton. It’s part of Covenant Health, a Catholic health authority in Alberta.
What landed Misericordia on our list is their exclusive service—they’re the only center in Alberta that provides sedated MRI exams for adult outpatients. It makes things considerably easier for people who experience anxiety, claustrophobia, or difficulty staying motionless.
We also love how comprehensive Misericordia’s services are. Aside from MRI exams, they also offer mammography, CT scans, and more. They even offer nuclear medicine services and pain management!
From our experience, the staff were approachable. That said, we’ve heard some concerns about staffing shortages, which isn’t really unexpected at a hectic hospital.
Warm and welcoming experience
“Upon my arrival, my tension melted with a very pleasant smile and greeting from the front door receptionist. I was then escorted by a kind volunteer to my precise registration location. All this in the first minute of my arrival assured me that I was important and would be well taken care of. Great treatment and thank you!”
- Eleanor Cowan, Google Review
Compassionate and professional care
“Amazing caregivers and staff. Felt well taken care of by everyone at the Mis. It’s not a pleasant experience to have to go to the hospital, we all know this. The team there truly makes you feel comfortable and does what they can to help. It may take 12+ hours in emergency, but know you’re getting the absolute best in care.
I also can’t say enough about the MRI team, they are lovely.”
- josXmac, Google Review
5. Central Alberta Medical Imaging Services
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://camiscare.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 4312 54 Ave, Red Deer, Alberta |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403-343-6172 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon - Fri: 7:15 AM to 6:00 PM
Sat & Sun: Closed |
Central Alberta Medical Imaging Services (CAMIS) has been providing diagnostic imaging for over 50 years. While they have a long history, we were more interested in how they operate today.
One thing we noticed was the clinic’s more personalized service compared to larger imaging centers. It felt less rushed, which we appreciated.
The clinic offers both public and private healthcare services. While many procedures are covered with a physician’s referral, private scans like CTs and MRIs come with extra costs, which might not be accessible to everyone.
Still, private scans are great options for patients who don’t mind spending more to avoid longer wait times.
The speed of results impressed us too. Some patients mentioned that their doctors were receiving reports in a day, which is a game-changer for us, as it can help lower stress levels and enable faster follow-ups and treatment planning.
However, one problem we encountered was a lack of transparency when it came to billing. Some patients we talked to were often surprised by unexpected bills and had trouble getting clear answers regarding insurance.
Compassionate and thorough technician
“I have been having some belly problems for quite awhile now, i’ve even had a CT Scan done and nothing showed up. the older gentleman (Mr G) knew how concerned/scared I was, and he took the time and listened to me and went over everything in my stomach area, with his tears of experience he found the root to my problem and i’m am very thankful that he was my technician today. Thank you Mr G Thank you.”
- Barb Miller, Google Review
Professional and timely service
“I had an amazing experience having my test done here today. Jordyn was very personable (great interpersonal and communication skills) – made me feel at ease and comfortable during my test. She is an excellent ultrasound technologist! She explained the procedures and my test was done on time. Thank you for the excellent service Jordyn!”
- Esperanza Ellingson, Google Review
