MRI and CT exams are used more commonly in some Canadian provinces than in others, according to a report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).
In 2009, MRI exams in Alberta or New Brunswick were performed more than twice as often as those in Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, or Labrador, according to the report. Fifty-four MRI exams were performed per 1,000 people in Alberta and 51 per 1,000 were performed in New Brunswick. In contrast, 24 patients per 1,000 in Newfoundland and Labrador and 23 patients per 1,000 in Prince Edward Island received MRIs.
The report also found significant variation in CT rates by province, ranging from 193 per 1,000 in New Brunswick and 155 per 1,000 in Nova Scotia, to 106 per 1,000 in British Columbia and 104 per 1,000 in Prince Edward Island.
Francine Anne Roy, CIHI director of health spending and clinical registries, noted in a press release that further research is required to determine the appropriate level of use of imaging technologies and to take full advantage of their diagnostic capability, while ensuring they are being used as efficiently and safely as possible.
As of January 1, 2009, there were 266 MRI scanners and 465 CT scanners operating in Canada, an increase of 44 MRI and 46 CT scanners over two years (and 70% in the number of MRI scanners and 36% in the number of CT scanners since 2004).
The report also noted that the majority of scanners (80% of MRI and 95% of CT) were located in hospital settings, with the rest in freestanding clinics that are often privately funded.
In 2008-2009, Canada had an overall rate of 41 MRI exams per 1,000 people and 121 CT exams per 1,000 people. In comparison, the U.S. had a rate of 91 MRI exams and 228 CT per 1,000 people, according to CIHI.
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