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Health Technology Review

Trends in MRI 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

MRI is a widely used noninvasive imaging technology used for producing detailed images of internal body structures to identify and assess conditions such as brain and spinal cord anomalies, joint injuries, tumours, and diseases affecting organs and soft tissues.1,2 Over the past 16 years, the demand for MRI exams has steadily increased, highlighting its growing importance in modern health care. This trend is driven by advancements in medical technology, a greater reliance on imaging for accurate and timely diagnoses,3 and the rising use of imaging services by an aging population with greater health care needs.4

This report examines both absolute (overall) and relative (per capita) growth in MRI exam volumes. Absolute values represent the total number of exams performed, while 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:

In this report, exams are reported per 1,000 population and units per 1,000,000 population, both standardized on a per capita basis to account for population size differences across jurisdictions. 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.5 As a result, per capita numbers may not fully capture regional differences in service availability or demand.6 As well, this report relies on self-reported data from sites, which may contain errors, misinterpretations, or other issues that could introduce bias. The analysis is further limited by the number of sites that submitted complete data. In some cases, small sample sizes may have affected the reliability of the results.

This analysis reports on the trends in MRI exam volumes across jurisdictions in Canada over a 16-year period. As of 2022–2023, Canada had a total of 432 MRI units, an increase from 222 units in 2007.3,7 Historically, MRI technology has been used in traditional imaging such as for high-resolution scans of the brain, spinal cord, musculoskeletal system, heart, and pelvis, especially in cases requiring superior soft tissue contrast and no radiation exposure.8 However, it is now also being used in advanced applications such as cardiac MRI for detailed heart assessments and prostate biopsies, highlighting its growing role in both diagnostic precision and therapeutic planning.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 MRI exam volume trends (overall and per capita) at a national and a provincial and territorial level between 2007 and 2022–2023.

About This Document

Results

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

This report documents the growth trends of MRI exams in Canada from 2007 to 2022–2023, both overall and per capita, at national and jurisdictional levels. Figures 1 through 22 and Tables 1 and 2 (in Appendix 1) summarize the number of overall and per capita MRI exams in Canada and its jurisdictions, capturing only those with capacity throughout the entire period. Tables 3 and 4 (in Appendix 1) show the total number of MRI units for each jurisdiction and the MRI units per 1,000,000 population.

National Growth Trends

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

Canada experienced overall and per capita exam growth throughout the 16-year period. For both, MRI exam growth was gradual between 2007 and 2015, followed by a small decline in 2017. There was a subsequent increase through to 2022–2023 (Figure 2). During this period, the number of MRI units grew from 222 to 432, while the units per capita increased from 6.8 to 10.8 per 1,000,000 population in Canada (Figure 2 and Appendix 1, Tables 3 and 4).

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

This figure presents data on the growth of MRI exam volume and availability in Canada from 2007 to 2022–2023. It shows that total MRI exams increased by 117%, from approximately 1.02 million to 2.21 million, with per capita exams rising by 80%, from 30.9 to 55.6 exams per 1,000 people. Total MRI units grew by 95%, from 222 to 432 units, whereas per capita MRI units increased by 59%, from 6.8 to 10.8 units per 1,000,000 people. Growth rates varied widely across the jurisdictions.

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

This figure shows trends in overall and per capita MRI exams, highlighting gradual growth in Canada from 2007 to 2015, followed by a small decline in 2017 and a subsequent increase through to 2022–2023.

Provincial and Territorial Growth Trends

Across Canada’s 10 jurisdictions with MRI capacity, throughout the period from 2007 to 2022–2023, there were variations in growth trends for both overall and per capita exams (Figures 3 and 4 and Appendix 1, Tables 1 and 2):

Per capita MRI exams in this report refer to the average number of exams performed per 1,000 people each year. In all jurisdictions, the total number of MRI exams has increased more quickly than the per capita figures. This suggests that, while 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 MRI 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 MRI exam volume rose by 151%, while per capita growth was 140% (Figure 3 and Appendix 1, Tables 1 and 2). During this period, the number of MRI units grew from 3 to 5, representing a 67% increase, while units per capita increased from 5.9 to 9.4, representing a 59% increase (Figure 3 and Appendix 1, Tables 3 and 4). Both the growth in overall exam volume and per capita exam volume were above the national average of 117% and 80%, respectively.

These figures positioned Newfoundland and Labrador among the top 3 jurisdictions for total and per capita percentage MRI exam growth over the time period. However, it is noted that its overall share of total MRI exam volumes remained 1% of the national total for each reporting year.

Newfoundland and Labrador experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period, with continual growth between 2007 and 2015, when exam volumes reached their peak. The peak 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. Between 2015 and 2022–2023, exam volumes mostly plateaued, with 2022–2023 levels dropping slightly below those of 2019–2020 (Figure 4).

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

This figure presents data on the growth of MRI exam volume and availability in Newfoundland and Labrador from 2007 to 2022–2023. It shows that total MRI exams increased by 151%, from 8,544 to 21,409, with per capita exams rising by 140%, from 16.7 to 40.1 exams per 1,000 people. Total MRI units grew by 67%, from 3 to 5 units, whereas per capita MRI units increased by 59%, from 5.9 to 9.4 units per 1,000,000 people.

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

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

Prince Edward Island Growth Trends

Prince Edward Island’s total MRI exam volume increased by 104%, while per capita growth was 60% (Figure 5 and Appendix 1, Tables 1 and 2). During this period, the number of MRI units remained constant at 1, while units per capita decreased from 7.2 to 5.7, representing a decline of 21% (Figure 5 and Appendix 1, Tables 3 and 4). Both the growth in overall exam volume and per capita exam volume were below the national average of 117% and 80%, respectively.

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 2012, when exam volumes reached a high that was not surpassed again until 2019–2020. Upward growth continued after that, and by 2022–2023, total exams had exceeded their previous peak. Per capita volumes remained slightly below 2019–2020 levels (Figure 6).

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

This figure presents data on the growth of MRI exam volume and availability in Prince Edward Island from 2007 to 2022–2023. It shows that total MRI exams increased by 104%, from 2,839 to 5,803, with per capita exams rising by 60%, from 20.6 to 33.0 exams per 1,000 people. The total number of MRI units remained unchanged at 1, resulting in a 0% increase. However, per capita MRI units decreased by 21%, from 7.2 to 5.7 units per 1,000,000 people.

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

This figure shows trends in overall and per capita MRI exams in Prince Edward Island, illustrating growth from 2007 to 2012, followed by a decline to 2017, and then an increase to 2022–2023.

Nova Scotia Growth Trends

Nova Scotia’s total MRI exam volume increased by 42%, while per capita growth was 27% (Figure 7 and Appendix 1, Tables 1 and 2). During this period, the number of MRI units increased from 6 to 11, representing an 83% increase, while units per capita grew from 6.4 to 10.5, representing a 64% increase (Figure 7 and Appendix 1, Tables 3 and 4). Both the growth in overall exam volume and per capita exam volume were below the national averages of 117% and 80%, respectively.

Nova Scotia experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period. The greatest period of growth for both was between 2007 and 2019–2020, when exam volumes reached a peak. This was followed by a decline, and by 2022–2023, volumes were slightly below those observed in 2012 (Figure 8).

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

This figure presents data on the growth of MRI exam volume and availability in Nova Scotia from 2007 to 2022–2023. It shows that total MRI exams increased by 42%, from 24,584 to 34,935, with per capita exams rising by 27%, from 26.3 to 33.4 exams per 1,000 people. Total MRI units grew by 83%, from 6 to 11 units, whereas per capita MRI units increased by 64%, from 6.4 to 10.5 units per 1,000,000 people.

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

This figure illustrates Nova Scotia's overall growth in MRI exams, with an upward trend from 2007 to 2019–2020, peaking in 2019–2020, followed by a decline, and a lower exam volume in 2022–2023 than in 2012.

New Brunswick Growth Trends

New Brunswick’s total MRI exam volume increased by 102%, while per capita growth was 81% (Figure 9 and Appendix 1, Tables 1 and 2). During this period, the number of MRI units increased from 5 to 11, representing a 120% rise, while MRI units per capita grew from 6.7 to 13.2, representing a 97% increase (Figure 9 and Appendix 1, Tables 3 and 4). The growth in total exam volume was below the national average of 117%, whereas the growth in per capita exam volume was above the national average of 80%.

New Brunswick experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period. The greatest period of growth for both was between 2007 and 2019–2020, with exam volumes rising steadily throughout that time. After 2019–2020, overall exams continued to increase, while per capita rates plateaued (Figure 10).

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

This figure presents data on the growth of MRI exam volume and availability in New Brunswick from 2007 to 2022–2023. It shows that total MRI exams increased by 102%, from 24,496 to 49,376, with per capita exams rising by 81%, from 32.8 to 59.4 exams per 1,000 people. Total MRI units grew by 120%, from 5 to 11 units, whereas per capita MRI units increased by 97%, from 6.7 to 13.2 units per 1,000,000 people.

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

This figure illustrates New Brunswick's steady increase in overall MRI exams and per capita rates from 2007 to 2019–2020, with a plateau in per capita rates after 2019–2020.

Quebec Growth Trends

Quebec’s total MRI exam volume increased by 101%, while per capita growth was 75% (Figure 11 and Appendix 1, Tables 1 and 2). During this period, the number of MRI units grew from 67 to 123, representing an increase of 84%, while MRI units per capita grew from 8.7 to 13.9, representing a 60% increase (Figure 11 and Appendix 1, Tables 3 and 4). Both the growth in overall exam volume and per capita exam volume were below the national averages of 117% and 80%, respectively.

Quebec experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period. For both, MRI exam growth showed a gradual upward trend with a slight decline around 2015, followed by a steady increase leading up to 2022–2023. The 2015 dip 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: MRI Exam Volume and Per Capita Growth in Quebec

This figure presents data on the growth of MRI exam volume and availability in Quebec from 2007 to 2022–2023. It shows that total MRI exams increased by 101%, from 224,890 to 450,947, with per capita exams rising by 75%, from 29.2 to 51.1 exams per 1,000 people. Total MRI units grew by 84%, from 67 to 123 units, whereas per capita MRI units increased by 60%, from 8.7 to 13.9 units per 1,000,000 people.

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

This figure illustrates Quebec's gradual increase in overall and per capita MRI exams over 16 years, with a slight decline around 2015 possibly due to imputed data, followed by a steady rise toward 2022–2023.

Ontario Growth Trends

Ontario’s total MRI exam volume increased by 116%, while per capita growth was 78% (Figure 13 and Appendix 1, Tables 1 and 2). During this period, the number of MRI units grew from 72 to 157, representing a 118% increase, while MRI units per capita grew from 5.7 to 10.1, representing a 77% increase (Figure 13 and Appendix 1, Tables 3 and 4). Both the growth in overall exam volume and per capita exam volume were below the national averages of 117% and 80%, respectively.

Ontario experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period. The greatest period of growth for both was between 2007 and 2015, with volumes peaking in 2015. This was followed by a decline through 2019–2020, then an increase by 2022–2023, though exam numbers remained below the 2015 peak (Figure 14).

The slight drop after 2015 may be related to imputed data rather than actual exam counts; if actual data had been used, the trend may have been more linear.

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

This figure presents data on the growth of MRI exam volume and availability in Ontario from 2007 to 2022–2023. It shows that total MRI exams increased by 116%, from 446,681 to 963,563, with per capita exams rising by 78%, from 34.9 to 62.2 exams per 1,000 people. Total MRI units grew by 118%, from 72 to 157 units, whereas per capita MRI units increased by 77%, from 5.7 to 10.1 units per 1,000,000 people.

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

This figure illustrates Ontario's overall and per capita MRI exam growth from 2007 to 2022–2023, with peak volumes in 2015, followed by a decline and subsequent rebound, potentially influenced by imputed data after 2015.

Manitoba Growth Trends

Manitoba’s total MRI exam volume rose by 141%, while per capita growth was 99% (Figure 15 and Appendix 1, Tables 1 and 2). During this period, the number of MRI units grew from 8 to 14, representing a 75% increase, while MRI units per capita grew from 6.8 to 9.7, representing a 43% increase (Figure 15 and Appendix 1, Tables 3 and 4). Both the growth in total exam volume and per capita exam volume were above the national averages of 117% and 80%, respectively.

Manitoba experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period. The greatest period of growth for both was between 2007 and 2012, followed by a brief plateau through 2017. Growth resumed leading up to 2019–2020, after which there was a slight decline (Figure 16).

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

This figure presents data on the growth of MRI exam volume and availability in Manitoba from 2007 to 2022–2023. It shows that total MRI exams increased by 141%, from 38,028 to 91,497, with per capita exams rising by 99%, from 31.9 to 63.4 exams per 1,000 people. Total MRI units grew by 75%, from 8 to 14 units, whereas per capita MRI units increased by 43%, from 6.8 to 9.7 units per 1,000,000 people.

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

This figure illustrates Manitoba's overall and per capita MRI exam growth from 2007 to 2022–2023, with the greatest growth between 2007 and 2012, a plateau through to 2017, followed by resumed growth and a slight decline after 2019–2020.

Saskatchewan Growth Trends

Saskatchewan’s total MRI exam volume rose by 190%, while per capita growth was 139% (Figure 17 and Appendix 1, Tables 1 and 2). During this period, the number of MRI units increased from 4 to 11, representing a 175% increase, while MRI units per capita grew from 4.0 to 9.0, representing a 125% increase (Figure 17 and Appendix 1, Tables 3 and 4). Both the growth in overall exam volume and per capita exam volume were above the national averages of 117% and 80%, respectively.

These figures positioned Saskatchewan among the top 3 jurisdictions for total and per capita percentage MRI exam growth over the time period. However, it is noted that its overall share of total MRI exam volumes remained 2% of the national total for each reporting year.

Saskatchewan experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period. The greatest period of growth for both was between 2007 and 2015, when exam volumes rose steadily. This was followed by a slight decline, then a rapid increase starting in 2017 and continuing thereafter (Figure 18).

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

This figure presents data on the growth of MRI exam volume and availability in Saskatchewan from 2007 to 2022–2023. It shows that total MRI exams increased by 190%, from 21,814 to 63,335, with per capita exams rising by 139%, from 21.7 to 51.9 exams per 1,000 people. Total MRI units grew by 175%, from 4 to 11 units, whereas per capita MRI units increased by 125%, from 4.0 to 9.0 units per 1,000,000 people.

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

This figure illustrates Saskatchewan's overall and per capita MRI exam growth from 2007 to 2022–2023, with steady growth from 2007 to 2015, followed by a slight decline, a rapid increase starting in 2017, peaking in 2019–2020, and a decrease thereafter.

Alberta Growth Trends

Alberta’s total MRI exam volume rose by 66%, while per capita growth was 24% (Figure 19 and Appendix 1, Tables 1 and 2). During this period, the number of MRI units increased from 27 to 43, representing a 59% increase, while MRI units per capita grew from 7.9 to 9.1, representing a 15% increase (Figure 19 and Appendix 1, Tables 3 and 4). Both the growth in overall exam volume and per capita exam volume were below the national averages of 117% and 80%, respectively.

Alberta experienced overall and per capita growth during the 16-year period. The greatest period of growth for both was between 2012 and 2015, followed by a decline through 2017 and then a gradual increase leading up to 2022–2023. The slight dip after 2015 may be related to imputed data rather than actual exam numbers being used in the calculations; if actual data had been used, the decline may have been less pronounced (Figure 20).

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

This figure presents data on the growth of MRI exam volume and availability in Alberta from 2007 to 2022–2023. It shows that total MRI exams increased by 66%, from 139,515 to 231,033, with per capita exams rising by 24%, from 39.5 to 49.1 exams per 1,000 people. Total MRI units grew by 59%, from 27 to 43 units, whereas per capita MRI units increased by 15%, from 7.9 to 9.1 units per 1,000,000 people.

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

This figure illustrates Alberta's overall and per capita MRI exam growth from 2007 to 2022–2023, with the greatest growth between 2012 and 2015, a decline through 2017, and a gradual increase thereafter, possibly influenced by imputed data after 2015.

British Columbia Growth Trends

British Columbia’s total MRI exam volume rose by 239%, while per capita growth was 170% (Figure 21 and Appendix 1, Tables 1 and 2). During this period, the number of MRI units increased from 29 to 55, representing a 90% increase, while MRI units per capita grew from 6.7 to 10.1, representing a 51% increase (Figure 21 and Appendix 1, Tables 3 and 4). Both the growth in overall exam volume and per capita exam volume were above the national averages of 117% and 80%, respectively.

These figures positioned British Columbia among the top 3 jurisdictions for total and per capita percentage MRI exam growth over the time period. However, it is noted that its overall share of total MRI exam volumes remained between 9% and 14% of the national total for each reporting year.

British Columbia experienced consistent year-over-year increases in MRI exam growth throughout the 16-year period. The greatest period of growth for both was between 2017 and 2019–2020, following a steady upward trajectory that continued through 2022–2023 (Figure 22).

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

This figure presents data on the growth of MRI exam volume and availability in British Columbia from 2007 to 2022–2023. It shows that total MRI exams increased by 239%, from 88,170 to 299,061, with per capita exams rising by 170%, from 20.4 to 55.0 exams per 1,000 people. Total MRI units grew by 90%, from 29 to 55 units, whereas per capita MRI units increased by 51%, from 6.7 to 10.1 units per 1,000,000 people.

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

This figure illustrates British Columbia's consistent year-over-year MRI exam growth from 2007 to 2022–2023, with the greatest growth between 2017 and 2019–2020 continuing steadily through 2022–2023.

Yukon started MRI services in 2015 and operated 1 MRI unit through to 2022–2023. The total number of MRI exams in Yukon grew from 2,200 in 2015 to 3,198 in 2022–2023 (Appendix 1, Table 1), representing a 45% increase. On a per capita basis, MRI exams increased from 58.8 per 1,000 people in 2015 to 72 per 1,000 people in 2022–2023, representing a 23% increase (Appendix, Table 2). As of 2022–2023, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut did not have any MRI units.

Limitations

This report is reliant on self-reported data that may include errors, misinterpretations, or other data issues, leading to potential biases in the report. Additionally, this report is limited by the number of sites that reported the necessary information required for this analysis. Sometimes, limited sample sizes may have been unable to provide a reliably accurate result.

Also, the results of this report are based on the 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 — CIHI conducted the survey between 2007 and 201210,11,19 and CDA-AMC took over from 2015 onward.16,20-22 Data from 2015 were partially imputed due to incomplete submissions from some jurisdictions for this year. While 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 done 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.

Furthermore, 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, where many people live along the southern border and vast and remote areas remain sparsely populated.6 Additionally, Canada's geographic size means that providing services and infrastructure over such a large area comes with challenges that per capita figures cannot portray. As a result, per capita measures do not reflect the true complexities of the geographic distribution of populations across the country.

Another limitation of this report is that it did not consider jurisdictions that did not have MRI capacity for the entire period from 2007 to 2022–2023. This report focuses only on those jurisdictions that have data for the entire period from 2007 to 2022–2023. As a result, jurisdictions like the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (which did not offer MRI services as of 2022–2023) and Yukon (where MRI services began only in 2015) are excluded from the national trend analysis, despite ongoing efforts to expand MRI capacity in the territories. Moreover, variations in regional health care infrastructures, such as access to MRI facilities and health care policies, could have contributed to regional disparities. The evolution of MRI 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 COIVD-19 pandemic,23 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 MRI exams is shaped by various factors, including population growth, health care resources, 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 MRI exams may pose potential challenges, underscoring key points for health care decision-makers to consider, 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 infrastructure, refining workforce planning, and aligning resource allocation— that could help support timely and equitable MRI access across all regions.

Conclusion

The analysis of MRI exam growth across Canada's 10 jurisdictions with MRI capacity from 2007 to 2022–2023 shows distinct patterns in both overall and per capita exam volumes. All jurisdictions experienced increases in 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 MRI services may not be uniform across Canada's vast geography, and the low population density in certain regions likely contributes 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 MRI 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 MRI exams, in relation to imaging capacity, may lead to longer wait times, which can delay diagnoses and treatment, affecting patient outcomes. Additionally, these delays may increase health care costs and out-of-pocket expenses for patients seeking private services.

This analysis underscores the importance of strategic health care planning, which includes targeted strategies to optimize imaging infrastructures, resource allocation, and continuously monitoring capacity and demand. Decision-makers may want to 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: Number of MRI 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

8,544

2,839

24,584

24,496

224,890

446,681

38,028

21,814

139,516

88,170

0

0

0

1,019,562

2010

12,934

3,658

33,736

33,625

308,153

650,295

52,369

29,942

188,132

121,655

0

0

0

1,434,500

2012

19,820

4,641

35,755

38,051

352,489

827,787

69,142

42,069

177,986

150,893

0

0

0

1,718,633

2015

22,265

4,567

44,187

41,310

349,945

974,500

73,460

49,122

236,406

154,098

2,200

NA

NA

1,952,060

2017

20,990

4,279

47,490

44,592

380,357

866,953

77,735

44,461

192,375

173,678

2,200

NA

NA

1,855,110

2019–2020

21,929

5,348

50,664

46,309

431,655

831,038

95,250

59,109

201,208

252,527

2,350

0

0

1,997,387

2022–2023

21,409

5,803

34,935

49,376

450,947

963,563

91,497

63,335

231,033

299,061

3,198

0

0

2,214,157

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 MRI 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

16.7

20.6

26.3

32.8

29.2

34.9

31.9

21.7

39.5

20.4

0

0

0

30.9

2010

24.7

25.6

35.7

44.6

38.7

49.3

42.8

28.4

50.2

27.1

0

0

0

42

2012

38.7

31.8

37.7

50.3

43.8

61.3

54.6

39

45.9

32.6

0

0

0

49.3

2015

42.2

31.2

46.9

54.8

42.3

70.7

56.8

43.3

56.3

32.9

58.8

NA

NA

54

2017

39.7

28.6

49.8

58.9

45.4

61.3

58.3

38.3

44.8

36.3

58.2

NA

NA

51

2019–2020

42

33.9

51.9

59.4

50.6

56.7

69.3

50.1

45.8

49.5

57.3

0

0

52.9

2022–2023

40.1

33

33.4

59.4

51.1

62.2

63.4

51.9

49.1

55

72

0

0

55.6

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 MRI Units by Jurisdiction, 2007 to 2022–2023

Year

NL

PE

NS

NB

QC

ON

MB

SK

AB

BC

YT

NT

NU

Canada

2007

3

1

6

5

67

72

8

4

27

29

222

2010

3

1

9

6

81

93

8

5

36

39

281

2012

5

1

9

6

90

104

8

6

39

40

308

2015

5

1

11

10

85

125

10

9

41

42

1

340

2017

5

1

12

11

107

120

12

10

41

46

1

366

2019–2020

5

1

11

14

102

124

14

10

44

52

1

378

2022–2023

5

1

11

11

123

157

14

11

43

55

1

432

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: MRI Units per Capita by Jurisdiction, 2007 to 2022–2023

Year

NL

PE

NS

NB

QC

ON

MB

SK

AB

BC

YT

NT

NU

Canada

2007

5.9

7.2

6.4

6.7

8.7

5.7

6.8

4.0

7.9

6.7

6.8

2010

5.9

7.1

9.6

8.0

10.3

7.1

6.5

4.8

9.7

8.7

8.3

2012

9.7

6.9

9.5

7.9

11.2

7.7

6.4

5.6

10.2

8.7

8.9

2015

9.5

13.7

11.7

13.3

17.7

13.5

7.7

7.9

9.8

9.0

27.0

9.5

2017

9.5

6.7

12.6

14.5

12.8

8.5

9.0

8.6

9.6

9.6

26.5

10.0

2019–2020

9.6

6.3

11.3

17.9

12.0

8.5

10.2

8.5

10.1

10.2

24.4

10.0

2022–2023

9.4

5.7

10.5

13.2

13.9

10.1

9.7

9.0

9.1

10.1

22.5

10.8

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.