How it works
- Book online — choose your scan, pick a time on our calendar.
- Confirm details — basic patient info and any safety considerations (metal implants, claustrophobia).
- Get scanned at our Toronto clinic at 2888 Bathurst St.
- Receive your report via the patient portal within 24–48 hours.
Why people skip the referral route
- OHIP MRI wait times in Ontario are typically 2–6 months for non-urgent indications, and even longer in some regions.
- Family doctors may decline to refer for preventative imaging without a specific clinical concern.
- Whole-body screening MRI isn't covered by OHIP under any circumstance, so a referral wouldn't change the cost.
- Booking direct means you control the schedule, the protocol, and the timeline.
What you still get when booking direct
A "no referral" booking does not mean a lower-quality study. At Simply MRI you receive the same standards used by hospital radiology departments:
- Imaging acquired on a clinical-grade Siemens MAGNETOM 1.5T MRI scanner
- Full board-certified radiologist read
- Detailed PDF report with findings and recommended follow-up
- Original DICOM images available in your patient portal — shareable with any physician or specialist
When you should still see a doctor first
If you have active symptoms (sudden severe headache, neurological symptoms, unexplained weight loss, persistent pain), see your family physician or visit an urgent care first. They may arrange OHIP-covered imaging or send you to an ER for time-sensitive evaluation. Preventative private MRI is best suited for screening without active acute symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really get an MRI in Toronto without a referral?
Yes — Simply MRI is a private preventative MRI clinic. Anyone can book directly online or by phone, no doctor's note required.
Will my report still be reviewed by a radiologist?
Yes. Every Simply MRI scan is read by a board-certified radiologist. The full report is delivered to your patient portal within 24–48 hours.
Can I share the report with my family doctor?
Absolutely. The PDF report and DICOM images in your patient portal can be downloaded and shared with any healthcare provider you choose.
Are referral-free private MRIs legal in Ontario?
Yes. Private preventative imaging is fully legal and regulated in Ontario; OHIP simply does not cover it. You pay out of pocket for the scan.
How fast can I get scanned without a referral?
Most patients book online and are scanned within 5–7 days. Compare this to OHIP-covered MRI, which typically has a 2–6 month wait for non-urgent indications.