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Health Technology Review

Trends in CT Exam Volumes Between 2007 and 2022–2023 in Canada

Key Messages

What Is the Issue?

What Did We Do?

What Did We Find?

What Does This Mean?

Context

CT is among the most widely used advanced imaging modalities in Canada and plays a crucial role in diagnosing a broad spectrum of medical conditions, from cancers to traumatic injuries.1,2 Over the past 16 years, the demand for CT has steadily increased, highlighting its growing importance in modern health care. This trend is driven by advances in medical technology, an increased reliance on imaging for accurate and timely diagnoses, and the expanding needs of an aging population with greater health care needs.3

This report examines both absolute (overall) and relative (per capita) growth in CT exam volumes. Absolute values represent the total number of exams performed, whereas relative values show how usage is changing, after adjusting for population size and other variables. Both absolute and relative values change in relation to various influencing factors. These may include:

However, caution is needed when interpreting per capita figures in Canada. The country's vast geography and uneven population distribution mean that access to health care can vary greatly between rural, urban, and remote areas. As a result, per capita numbers may not fully capture regional differences in service availability or demand.4 Additionally, this report does not analyze CT exam volumes by geographic setting, and therefore does not reflect the differing service demands across these regions.5

This analysis reports on the trends in CT exam volumes across jurisdictions in Canada over a 16-year period. As of 2022–2023, Canada had a total of 560 CT units, with at least 1 unit in each jurisdiction — an increase from 419 units in 2007.6,7 Historically, CT technology has been used in traditional imaging, such as for the diagnosis of stroke, vascular disease, cancer, trauma, acute abdominal pain, and diffuse lung diseases.8 However, it is now also being used in cancer care for CT simulation, and in interventional radiology for procedures like biopsies and drainages, underscoring the expanding role of CT in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.9 Therefore, expanding imaging capacity in areas where it most improves patient outcomes can help meet growing demand while preserving efficient care.

Objective

The purpose of this report is to summarize information on CT exam volume trends (overall and per capita) at a national, provincial, and territorial level between 2007 and 2022–2023.

About This Document

Results

CT Exam Growth in Canada (2007 to 2022–2023)

This report documents the growth trends of CT exams in Canada from 2007 to 2022–2023, using both overall and per capita values, at national and jurisdictional levels. Figures 1 through 24 and Table 1 and Table 2 (in Appendix 1) summarize the number of overall and per capita CT exams in Canada and its jurisdictions, capturing only those with capacity throughout the entire period. Table 3 and Table 4 (in Appendix 1) show the total number of CT units for each jurisdiction and the CT units per million population.

National Growth Trends

Between 2007 and 2022–2023, the volume of CT exams experienced substantial growth, likely driven by broader access, rising demand, and the evolving role of CT across Canada.

Canada experienced overall and per capita exam growth throughout the 16-year period. For both, CT exams growth was gradual for a 10-year period, between 2007 and 2017, followed by a period of decline in 2019–2020, which may be related to the temporary closure of some imaging departments during the pandemic. There was a subsequent increase through to 2022–2023 (Figure 2). During this period, the number of CT units grew from 419 to 560, whereas the units per capita increased from 12.8 to 14.0 per million population in Canada (Figure 2 and Appendix 1, Table 3 and Table 4).

Figure 1: CT Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in Canada

This figure presents data on the growth of CT exam volume and availability in Canada from 2007 to 2022–2023. It shows that total CT exams increased by 90%, from approximately 3.38 million to 6.42 million, with per capita exams rising by 57%, from 102.5 to 161.1 exams per 1,000 people. Total CT units grew by 34%, from 419 to 560 units, whereas per capita CT units increased by 9%, from 12.8 to 14.0 units per 1 million people. Growth rates varied widely across jurisdictions.

Figure 2: Trends in Overall and Per Capita CT Exams in Canada

This figure shows trends in overall and per capita CT exams, highlighting gradual growth in Canada from 2007 to 2022–2023.

Provincial and Territorial Growth Trends

Across Canada’s 11 jurisdictions with CT capacity throughout the period of 2007 to 2022–2023, there were variations in growth trends for both overall and per capita exams (Figure 3 and Figure 4 and Appendix 1, Table 1 and Table 2):

Per capita CT exams in this report refer to the average number of exams performed per 1,000 people each year. In most jurisdictions, the total number of CT exams has increased more quickly than the per capita figures. This suggests that, although overall usage is rising, the number of exams available to each individual may not be increasing at the same pace. This pattern may highlight ongoing challenges in distributing CT resources equitably, contributing to regional differences in access across Canada’s large and unevenly populated geography.

Newfoundland and Labrador Growth Trends

Newfoundland and Labrador’s total CT exam volume increased by 54%, whereas per capita growth was 47% (Figure 3 and Appendix 1, Table 1 and Table 2). Both figures were below the national averages of 90% and 57%, respectively. During this period, the number of CT units rose from 11 to 16, representing a 46% increase, whereas units per capita grew from 21.6 to 30.0, representing a 39% increase (Figure 3 and Appendix 1, Table 3 and Table 4).

Newfoundland and Labrador experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period, with continual growth from 2007 through 2015, when exam volumes reached their peak. This spike may be attributed to the use of imputed data for that year, rather than actual numbers. It is likely that had actual numbers been used, the trajectory may have been more linear (Figure 4).

Figure 3: CT Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador

This figure presents data for Newfoundland and Labrador on CT exam and unit growth from 2007 to 2022–2023. Total CT exams increased by 54%, from 64,434 to 105,441, whereas per capita exams rose by 47%, from 134.5 to 197.6 exams per 1,000 population. The number of CT units grew from 11 to 16 (a 46% increase), and per capita units increased from 21.6 to 30.0 per million population, reflecting a 39% growth.

Figure 4: Trends in Overall and Per Capita CT Exams in Newfoundland and Labrador

This figure shows trends in overall and per capita CT exams in Newfoundland and Labrador, illustrating a peak in 2015.

Prince Edward Island Growth Trends

Prince Edward Island’s total CT exam volume rose by 163%, whereas per capita growth was 107% (Figure 5 and Appendix 1, Table 1 and Table 2). Both figures were well above the national averages of 90% and 57%, respectively. During this period, the number of CT units remained unchanged at 2, representing a 21% decrease in units per capita, from 14.5 to 11.4 (Figure 5 and Appendix 1, Table 3 and Table 4).

The overall and per capita exam volume increase places Prince Edward Island among the top 3 jurisdictions for percentage exam growth over the time period. However, it is noted that its share of overall CT exam volumes remained below 0.5% of the national total in each reporting year.

Prince Edward Island experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period. The greatest period of growth for both was between 2007 and 2010, when exam growth reached a peak that was not surpassed again for a 10-year period, until 2019–2020. Upward growth continued after then, through to 2022–2023 (Figure 6).

Figure 5: CT Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in Prince Edward Island

This figure presents data for Prince Edward Island on CT exam and unit growth from 2007 to 2022–2023. Total CT exams increased by 163%, from 9,655 to 25,368, whereas per capita exams rose by 107%, from 69.7 to 144.0 exams per 1,000 population. The number of CT units remained constant at 2, resulting in a 0% increase in total units. Per capita CT units decreased by 21%, from 14.5 to 11.4 units per million population.

Figure 6: Trends in Overall and Per Capita CT Exams in Prince Edward Island

This figure shows trends in overall and per capita CT exams in Prince Edward Island, illustrating a peak between 2007 and 2010, followed by steady growth through 2022–2023.

Nova Scotia Growth Trends

Nova Scotia’s total CT exam volume increased by 27%, whereas per capita growth was 13% (Figure 7 and Appendix 1, Table 1 and Table 2). Both figures were below the national averages of 90% and 57%, respectively. During this period, the number of CT units rose from 16 to 18, representing a 13% increase, whereas units per capita remained virtually unchanged, increasing slightly from 17.1 to 17.2 (0.6%) (Figure 7 and Appendix 1, Table 3 and Table 4).

Nova Scotia experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period. The greatest period of growth for both was between 2007 and 2010. This was followed by a period of decline through 2012, then another phase of growth leading up to 2019–2020, before a slight decrease thereafter (Figure 8).

Figure 7: CT Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in Nova Scotia

This figure presents data for Nova Scotia on CT exam and unit growth from 2007 to 2022–2023. Total CT exams increased by 27%, from 130,818 to 166,268, whereas per capita exams rose by 13%, from 140.0 to 158.8 exams per 1,000 population. The number of CT units increased from 16 to 18 (a 13% increase), and per capita CT units showed a rise of 0.6%, from 17.1 to 17.2 units per million population.

Figure 8: Trends in Overall and Per Capita CT Exams in Nova Scotia

This figure illustrates Nova Scotia's overall growth in CT exams, with the highest growth between 2007 and 2010, followed by a decline, renewed growth until 2019–2020, and a slight decrease afterward.

New Brunswick Growth Trends

New Brunswick’s total CT exam volume increased by 34%, whereas per capita growth was 21% (Figure 9 and Appendix 1, Table 1 and Table 2). Both figures were below the national averages of 90% and 57%, respectively. During this period, the number of CT units remained unchanged at 15, resulting in a 10% decrease in units per capita, from 20.0 to 18.0 (Figure 9 and Appendix 1, Table 3 and Table 4).

Although New Brunswick saw overall and per capita growth over the 16-year period, there were fluctuations in the exam numbers for both. Specifically, CT exams increased from 2007 to 2012, followed by a decline in 2015, then steady growth leading up to 2019–2020, before plateauing with a slower growth at the 2022–2023 levels. The sharp drop in 2015 may be attributed to the use of imputed data rather than actual figures for that year. Had the data been based on actual exam numbers, the decline experienced in 2015 — which did not return to 2012 levels until 2019–2020 — may have been less pronounced (Figure 10).

Figure 9: CT Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in New Brunswick

This figure presents data for New Brunswick on CT exam and unit growth from 2007 to 2022–2023. Total CT exams rose by 34%, from 132,199 to 177,477, whereas per capita exams increased by 21%, from 176.6 to 213.4 exams per 1,000 population. The number of CT units remained unchanged at 15, resulting in no overall growth. Per capita CT units decreased by 10%, from 20.0 to 18.0 units per million population.

Figure 10: Trends in Overall and Per Capita CT Exams in New Brunswick

This figure illustrates New Brunswick's overall growth in CT exams, with increases from 2007 to 2012, a decline in 2015, possibly due to imputed data, steady growth to 2019–2020, and a plateau at 2022–2023 levels.

Quebec Growth Trends

Quebec’s total CT exam volume increased by 98%, whereas per capita growth was 72% (Figure 11 and Appendix 1, Table 1 and Table 2). Both figures were above the national averages of 90% and 57%, respectively. During this period, the number of CT units rose from 119 to 144, representing a 21% increase, whereas units per capita grew modestly from 15.5 to 16.3, representing a 5% increase (Figure 11 and Appendix 1, Table 3 and Table 4).

Quebec experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period. For both, growth in CT exams showed a gradual upward trend with a possible spike in 2015, followed by a decline in 2017 and a steady increase leading up to 2022–2023. The 2015 spike may reflect the use of imputed data instead of actual numbers for that year. If actual numbers had been used, the growth trajectory may have been more linear (Figure 12).

Figure 11: CT Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in Quebec

This figure shows data for Quebec on the total and per capita CT exam growth between 2007 and 2022–2023. Total CT exams increased by 98%, from 837,246 to 1,658,575, whereas per capita exams rose by 72%, from 109.2 to 187.8 exams per 1,000 population. The number of CT units grew from 119 to 144, a 21% increase. Per capita CT units increased by 5%, from 15.5 to 16.3 units per million population.

Figure 12: Trends in Overall and Per Capita CT Exams in Quebec

This figure illustrates Quebec's overall growth in CT exams, with a gradual upward trend, a possible spike in 2015 due to imputed data, a decline in 2017, and steady growth leading to 2022–2023.

Ontario Growth Trends

Ontario’s total CT exam volume increased by 99%, whereas per capita growth was 64% (Figure 13 and Appendix 1, Table 1 and Table 2). Both figures were above the national averages of 90% and 57%, respectively. During this period, the number of CT units rose from 130 to 192, representing a 48% increase, whereas units per capita increased from 10.2 to 12.4, representing a 22% rise (Figure 13 and Appendix 1, Table 3 and Table 4).

Ontario experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period. Growth in CT exams for both was gradual for 10 years, between 2007 and 2017. Exam volumes peaked in 2017, followed by a period of decline in 2019–2020 and a subsequent increase through to 2022–2023 (Figure 14).

Figure 13: CT Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in Ontario

This figure shows data for Ontario on the total and per capita CT exam growth between 2007 and 2022–2023. Total CT exams nearly doubled, increasing by 99% from 1,198,705 to 2,383,569. Per capita exams rose by 64%, from 93.8 to 153.8 exams per 1,000 population. The number of CT units increased from 130 to 192, reflecting a 48% growth. Per capita CT units grew by 22%, from 10.2 to 12.4 units per million population.

Figure 14: Trends in Overall and Per Capita CT Exams in Ontario

This figure illustrates Ontario's overall growth in CT exams, with gradual growth from 2007 to 2017, a peak in 2017, a decline in 2019–2020, and a subsequent increase through to 2022–2023.

Manitoba Growth Trends

Manitoba’s total CT exam volume increased by 99%, whereas per capita growth was 62% (Figure 15 and Appendix 1, Table 1 and Table 2). Both figures were above the national averages of 90% and 57%, respectively. During this period, the number of CT units rose from 19 to 24, representing a 26% increase, whereas units per capita increased slightly from 16.1 to 16.6, representing a 3% rise (Figure 15 and Appendix 1, Table 3 and Table 4).

Manitoba experienced a gradual increase in overall and per capita exams over the 16 years, with a slight decrease in 2012 compared to 2010 for both. The period of greatest increase was between 2017 and 2019–2020 for both overall and per capita exams (Figure 16).

Figure 15: CT Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in Manitoba

This figure shows data for Manitoba on the total and per capita CT exam growth between 2007 and 2022–2023. Total CT exams nearly doubled with a 99% increase, rising from 131,090 to 260,661. Per capita exams increased by 62%, from 111.2 to 180.5 exams per 1,000 population. The number of CT units grew from 19 to 24, a 26% increase. Per capita CT units showed a rise of 3%, increasing from 16.1 to 16.6 units per million population.

Figure 16: Trends in Overall and Per Capita CT Exams in Manitoba

This figure illustrates Manitoba’s gradual increase in CT exams over 16 years, with a slight decrease in 2012, followed by the greatest increase between 2017 and 2019–2020.

Saskatchewan Growth Trends

Saskatchewan’s total CT exam volume increased by 39%, whereas per capita growth was 12% (Figure 17 and Appendix 1, Table 1 and Table 2). Both figures were below the national averages of 90% and 57%, respectively. During this period, the number of CT units grew from 15 to 18, representing a 20% increase, whereas units per capita decreased slightly from 15.2 to 14.7, representing a 3% decrease (Figure 17 and Appendix 1, Table 3 and Table 4).

Saskatchewan's growth in overall and per capita CT exams slowed after 2010, continuing this downward trend until 2017, when exam numbers dropped to their lowest point, falling below the 2007 baseline. Between 2019–2020 and 2022–2023, exam numbers began to rise again, with overall exams and per capita exams surpassing the 2007 baseline by 2022–2023 (Figure 18).

Figure 17: CT Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in Saskatchewan

This figure shows data for Saskatchewan on the total and per capita CT exam growth between 2007 and 2022–2023. Total CT exams increased by 39%, from 129,777 to 180,234. Per capita exams increased by 12%, from 131.6 to 145.3 exams per 1,000 population. The number of CT units grew by 20%, from 15 to 18 units, whereas per capita CT units decreased by 3%, from 15.2 to 14.7 units per million population.

Figure 18: Trends in Overall and Per Capita CT Exams in Saskatchewan

This figure illustrates Saskatchewan's CT exam trends, with a slowdown in growth after 2010, a drop below 2007 levels by 2017, followed by a rise beginning in 2019–2020 in both overall and per capita exams, surpassing the 2007 baseline by 2022–2023.

Alberta Growth Trends

Alberta’s total CT exam volume increased by 42%, whereas per capita growth was 3% (Figure 19 and Appendix 1, Table 1 and Table 2). Both figures were below the national averages of 90% and 57%, respectively. During this period, the number of CT units rose from 41 to 53, representing a 29% increase, whereas units per capita decreased from 12.0 to 11.3, representing a 6% decrease (Figure 19 and Appendix 1, Table 3 and Table 4).

Alberta experienced overall and per capita growth over the 16-year period. CT exam volumes gradually increased for both between 2007 and 2010, followed by a slight dip in 2012. After 2015, exam volumes rose again, forming a steady upward trajectory through to 2022–2023 (Figure 20).

Figure 19: CT Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in Alberta

This figure shows data for Alberta on the total and per capita CT exam growth between 2007 and 2022–2023. Total CT exams increased by 42%, from 367,557 to 520,507, whereas per capita exams rose by 3%, from 107.7 to 110.7 exams per 1,000 population. The number of CT units grew by 29%, from 41 to 53 units. Per capita CT units decreased by 6%, from 12.0 to 11.3 units per million population.

Figure 20: Trends in Overall and Per Capita CT Exams in Alberta

This figure illustrates Alberta's overall growth in CT exams, with gradual increases from 2007 to 2010, a slight dip in 2012, followed by steady growth from 2015 to 2022–2023.

British Columbia Growth Trends

British Columbia’s total CT exam volume increased by 146%, whereas per capita growth was 96% (Figure 21 and Appendix 1, Table 1 and Table 2). Both figures were well above the national averages of 90% and 57%, respectively. During this period, the number of CT units rose from 49 to 75, representing a 53% increase, whereas units per capita increased from 11.3 to 13.8, representing a 22% rise (Figure 21 and Appendix 1, Table 3 and Table 4).

These figures positioned British Columbia among the top 3 jurisdictions for total and per capita percentage CT exam growth over the time period. However, it is noted that its share of overall CT exam volumes remained between 11% and 15% of the national total for each reporting year.

British Columbia experienced consistent year-over-year increases in overall and per capita CT exam growth throughout the 16-year period, reflecting a steady upward trajectory for each reporting year between 2007 and 2022–2023 (Figure 22).

Figure 21: CT Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in British Columbia

This figure shows data for British Columbia on the total and per capita CT exam growth between 2007 and 2022–2023. Total CT exams increased by 146%, from 375,238 to 923,990, whereas per capita exams rose by 96%, from 86.7 to 169.9 exams per 1,000 population. The number of CT units grew by 53%, from 49 to 75 units. Per capita CT units increased by 22%, from 11.3 to 13.8 units per million population.

Figure 22: Trends in Overall and Per Capita CT Exams in British Columbia

This figure illustrates British Columbia's consistent year-over-year growth in CT exams, reflecting a steady upward trajectory from 2007 to 2022–2023.

Yukon Growth Trends

Yukon’s total CT exam volume increased by 208%, whereas per capita growth was 120% (Figure 23 and Appendix 1, Table 1 and Table 2). Both figures were well above the national averages of 90% and 57%, respectively. During this period, the number of CT units remained constant at 1, resulting in a 30% decrease in units per capita, from 32.3 to 22.5 (Figure 23 and Appendix 1, Table 3 and Table 4).

Yukon had the highest total and per capita percentage increase among all the jurisdictions over this time period; however, it is noted that its total CT exam volumes remained below 0.5% of the national total for each reporting year.

Yukon showed gradual growth for overall and per capita exams over the 16-year period, albeit with some minor fluctuations. The greatest period of growth was between 2019–2020 to 2022–2023 (Figure 24).

Figure 23: CT Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in Yukon

This figure shows data for Yukon on the total and per capita CT exam growth between 2007 and 2022–2023. Total CT exams increased by 208%, from 2,099 to 6,455, whereas per capita exams rose by 120%, from 66.1 to 145.3 exams per 1,000 population. The number of CT units remained constant at 1. Per capita CT units decreased by 30%, from 32.3 to 22.5 units per million population.

Figure 24: Trends in Overall and Per Capita CT Exams Growth in Yukon

This figure illustrates Yukon’s gradual growth in CT exams over 16 years, with minor fluctuations and the greatest period of growth occurring from 2019–2020 to 2022–2023.

The Northwest Territories started CT services in 2010, and Nunavut followed in 2017. Each jurisdiction operated with 1 CT unit through to 2022–2023. The total number of CT exams in the Northwest Territories grew from 4,175 in 2010 to 8,115 in 2022–2023 (Appendix 1, Table 1), representing a 94% increase. On a per capita basis, CT exams increased from 96.4 per 1,000 people in 2010 to 177.7 per 1,000 people in 2022–2023, an 84% increase (Appendix 1, Table 2).

The total number of CT exams in Nunavut grew from 2,000 in 2017 to 4,336 in 2022–2023 (Appendix 1, Table 1), representing a 117% increase. On a per capita basis, CT exams increased from 53.4 per 1,000 people in 2017 to 106.5 per 1,000 people in 2022–2023, representing a 99% increase (Appendix 1, Table 2).

Limitations

The results of this report are based on data collected over more than a decade. Over this time period, the organizations responsible for data collection changed, and there were differences in the data collection methods, validation procedures, and reporting compliance. The data collection changed as CIHI conducted the survey between 2007 and 201210,11,19 and CDA-AMC took over from 2015 onward.6,15,20,21 Data from 2015 were partially imputed due to incomplete submissions from some jurisdictions for this year. Although this approach ensured a more comprehensive baseline for analysis, it introduced variability that may affect trend interpretation for that year. Imputation of missing data was primarily achieved through proportional scaling, assuming that nonreporting sites had exam volumes similar to those that reported. This assumption, if incorrect, may have led to overestimation — especially in jurisdictions where the imputed values represented a large portion of the total. These methodological choices influenced the quality of the data and might contribute to the differences in the number of exams performed during that year.

Using per capita values can be misleading in a country like Canada, which has the second-largest landmass in the world. These measurements do not account for the disparities in population distribution — many people live along the southern border, and remote areas, although they are vast, remain sparsely populated.4 Additionally, Canada's geographic size means that providing services and infrastructure over such a large area comes with challenges that per capita figures often overlook. As a result, per capita measures do not reflect the true complexities of the geographic distribution of population across the country.

Another limitation of this report is that it did not consider jurisdictions that did not have CT capacity for the entire period from 2007 to 2022–2023. This report focuses on those jurisdictions that had data for the entire period from 2007 to 2022—2023. As a result, jurisdictions such as the Northwest Territories and Nunavut — where CT services were introduced only in 2010 and 2017, respectively — are not included in the national trend analysis, despite ongoing efforts to expand CT capacity among the territories. Moreover, variations in regional health care infrastructures, such as access to CT facilities and health care policies, could have contributed to regional disparities. The evolution of CT technology, including improvements in imaging quality and machine efficiency, may also have impacted the comparability of data across different time points.

There were a few contextual factors that influenced the use of imaging modalities over time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic,22 population growth,7 changing standard of care, and population aging, but the impact of these factors could not be assessed with the available data.

Implications for Decision-Making

The demand for CT exams is shaped by various factors, including population growth and aging, health care, and evolving medical practices. Understanding trends in exam volumes is essential for planning imaging capacity and ensuring timely access to diagnostic services.

Despite the increase in both overall and per capita exam volumes, the rising number of CT exams may pose potential challenges, underscoring key considerations that can support health care decision-making, such as the following:

Variations in exam trends suggest that regions may face unique health care challenges and requirements. Decision-makers may consider tailored strategies —such as optimizing existing imaging infrastructures, refining workforce planning, and aligning resource allocation — that could help support timely and equitable CT access across all regions.

Conclusion

The analysis of CT exam growth across Canada's 11 jurisdictions with CT capacity from 2007 to 2022–2023 shows distinct patterns in both overall and per capita exam volumes. All jurisdictions experienced increases in both overall and per capita exam volumes.

The wide variation in both overall and per capita exam growth across jurisdictions suggests that resource allocation and access to CT services may not be consistent nationwide. Canada's vast geography and the low population density in certain regions likely contribute to these disparities. Furthermore, comparing urban, rural, and remote areas is challenging due to differences in population density and local conditions. Disparities in access to CT services — driven by factors such as travel time, distance, and population size — may result in lower per capita exam volumes in some jurisdictions or local regions, highlighting potential inequities in access. These patterns underscore the need for region-specific health care planning to address the unique challenges each area faces.

The growing demand for CT exams is influenced by a range of factors, including emerging clinical applications of CT, such as biopsies, drainages, and interventional use; population needs; health care resources; and advancements in medical practices. As demand continues to outpace imaging capacity, there is a risk of extended wait times, which can delay diagnoses and treatment, ultimately affecting patient outcomes.

This analysis underscores the importance of strategic health care planning that includes targeted strategies to optimize imaging infrastructures, resource allocation, and continuous monitoring of capacity and demand. Decision-makers may consider local contextual factors when interpreting these trends and making decisions about future diagnostic imaging services.

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Appendix 1: Summary Tables

Table 1: Overall Number of CT Exams Nationally and by Jurisdiction Between 2007 and 2022–2023

Year

NL

PE

NS

NB

QC

ON

MB

SK

AB

BC

YT

NT

NU

Canada

2007

68,434

9,655

130,818

132,199

837,246

1,198,705

131,090

129,777

367,557

375,238

2,099

0

0

3,382,818

2010

76,680

17,124

157,844

147,765

1,051,569

1,478,056

162,720

156,854

374,279

492,420

2,675

4,175

0

4,122,161

2012

86,881

13,559

131,881

157,683

1,212,437

1,578,694

158,643

156,509

339,451

535,591

2,828

3,761

0

4,377,919

2015

115,552

13,576

157,290

130,984

1,656,662

1,871,160

173,299

139,488

382,300

634,530

3,500

NA

NA

5,278,341

2017

90,985

15,811

155,099

142,294

1,350,792

2,430,739

186,197

128,415

405,332

695,248

3,500

4,695

2,000

5,611,107

2019–2020

98,967

19,349

170,603

162,322

1,483,373

1,842,982

240,269

148,202

447,069

805,584

4,700

5,335

3,081

5,431,836

2022–2023

105,441

25,368

166,268

177,477

1,658,575

2,383,569

260,661

180,234

520,507

923,990

6,455

8,115

4,336

6,420,996

AB = Alberta; BC = British Columbia; MB = Manitoba; NA = not applicable; NB = New Brunswick; NL = Newfoundland and Labrador; NS = Nova Scotia; NT = Northwest Territories; NU = Nunavut; ON = Ontario; PE = Prince Edward Island; QC = Quebec; SK = Saskatchewan; YT = Yukon.

Note: This table has not been copy-edited.

Table 2: Number of CT Exams per 1,000 Population Nationally and by Jurisdiction Between 2007 and 2022–2023

Year

NL

PE

NS

NB

QC

ON

MB

SK

AB

BC

YT

NT

NU

Canada

2007

134.5

69.7

140

176.6

109.2

93.8

111.2

131.6

107.7

86.7

66.1

0

0

102.5

2010

146.7

120

167.2

195.9

132.2

112.1

132.9

148.5

99.9

109.8

76.9

96.4

0

120.8

2012

169.5

92.8

139

208.6

150.5

116.9

125.2

144.9

87.6

115.9

78.3

86.8

0

125.5

2015

218.9

92.7

166.8

173.7

200.5

135.7

134

123

91.1

135.5

93.6

NA

NA

147

2017

172.1

105.6

163.1

187.8

161.4

195.6

139.7

110.6

94.4

145.2

92.6

105.8

53.4

153

2019–2020

189.6

122.5

174.7

208.1

174

125.7

174.9

125.7

101.7

157.8

114.6

118.8

79.3

143.7

2022–2023

197.6

144

158.8

213.4

187.8

153.8

180.5

147.6

110.7

169.9

145.3

177.7

106.5

161.1

AB = Alberta; BC = British Columbia; MB = Manitoba; NA = not applicable; NB = New Brunswick; NL = Newfoundland and Labrador; NS = Nova Scotia; NT = Northwest Territories; NU = Nunavut; ON = Ontario; PE = Prince Edward Island; QC = Quebec; SK = Saskatchewan; YT = Yukon.

Note: This table has not been copy-edited.

Table 3: Number of CT Units Across Jurisdictions Between 2007 and 2022–2023

Year

NL

PE

NS

NB

QC

ON

MB

SK

AB

BC

YT

NT

NU

Canada

2007

11

2

16

15

119

130

19

15

41

49

1

1

0

419

2010

13

2

16

16

123

165

20

15

47

65

1

1

0

484

2012

14

2

16

17

132

168

21

16

50

72

1

1

0

510

2015

16

2

21

14

146

186

19

16

50

65

1

1

1

538

2017

16

2

18

15

163

184

23

15

56

66

1

1

1

561

2019–2020

15

2

17

17

164

169

22

16

55

69

1

1

1

549

2022–2023

16

2

18

15

144

192

24

18

53

75

1

1

1

560

AB = Alberta; BC = British Columbia; MB = Manitoba; NB = New Brunswick; NL = Newfoundland and Labrador; NS = Nova Scotia; NT = Northwest Territories; NU = Nunavut; ON = Ontario; PE = Prince Edward Island; QC = Quebec; SK = Saskatchewan; YT = Yukon.

Note: This table has not been copy-edited.

Table 4: CT Units per Million Population Across Jurisdictions Between 2007 and 2022–2023

Year

NL

PE

NS

NB

QC

ON

MB

SK

AB

BC

YT

NT

NU

Canada

2007

21.6

14.5

17.1

20.0

15.5

10.2

16.1

15.2

12.0

11.3

32.3

23.6

0

12.8

2010

25.44

14.16

17.01

21.31

15.63

12.56

16.27

14.45

12.66

14.46

29.42

23.1

0

14.26

2012

27.3

13.7

16.9

22.5

16.5

12.5

16.7

15.0

13.1

15.6

28.1

22.9

0

14.7

2015

30.3

13.7

22.3

18.6

17.7

13.5

14.7

14.1

11.9

13.9

27.0

22.7

27.0

15.0

2017

30.3

13.4

18.9

19.8

19.5

13.0

17.3

12.9

13.1

13.8

26.5

22.5

26.7

15.3

2019–2020

28.7

12.7

17.4

21.8

19.2

11.5

16.0

13.6

12.5

13.5

24.4

22.3

25.7

14.5

2022–2023

30.0

11.4

17.2

18.0

16.3

12.4

16.6

14.7

11.3

13.8

22.5

21.9

26.6

14.0

AB = Alberta; BC = British Columbia; MB = Manitoba; NB = New Brunswick; NL = Newfoundland and Labrador; NS = Nova Scotia; NT = Northwest Territories; NU = Nunavut; ON = Ontario; PE = Prince Edward Island; QC = Quebec; SK = Saskatchewan; YT = Yukon.

Note: This table has not been copy-edited.