Diagnostic Imaging & Screening Services
The Diagnostic Imaging department offers a full array of imaging services.
It has recently been in the forefront of a number of regional firsts, including
the introduction of Magseeds, PocketHealth and an Ontario hospital first
to deploy an AI screener to check routine x-rays for osteopenia.
Cambridge Memorial Hospital's diagnostic and testing services include tests such as x-rays, MRIs, CT Scans, ultrasound, Done Mineral Density and a host of other diagnostic services. The hospital is also designated as an OBSP Breast Assessment site, one of three serving Waterloo and Wellington regions.
The Diagnostic Imaging Department is located in Wing A, Level 1, near the main lobby.
If you have an appointment, please register at the Diagnostic Imaging Registration area prior to your appointment. You will then be directed to the appropriate waiting area. All tests, with the exception of the Ontario Breast Screening Program, require a signed requisition/order from a physician or nurse practitioner (extended class nurse).
To Fax Requisitions:
- For CT, Bone Density, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, X-Ray and Ultrasound bookings, send to 519-740-4904.
- For MRI, send to 519-740-4969.
We welcome all patients to our imaging services. We continue to take additional precautions, such as health screening, enhanced cleaning, wearing personal protective equipment to ensure yours and our safety against flu, COVID, and other infectious diseases.
Our current wait times for imaging exams as of December 19, 2024 are as follows. When you arrive, please follow instructions for the scan you are receiving carefully, as some appointments may require you to arrive 15-30 minutes before your appointment time. If you are late, you may be rescheduled. Please note that urgent or emergency scans are always performed sooner. We do our best to stay on schedule to support your care journey.
| DI Exam | # of Days |
|---|---|
| Bone Mineral Density | 26 days |
| CT, Routine Exams without contrast | 57 days |
| CT, Routine Exams with contrast | 69 days |
| Gastric Studies | 103 days |
| Mammography, Routine Exams | 92 days (sooner for urgent exams) |
| MRI, Routine Exams without contrast | 162 days |
| MRI, Routine Exams with contrast | 100 days |
| Nuclear Medicine, Cardiac | 50 days |
| Nuclear Medicine, General | 14 days |
| OBSP | 12 days |
| Ultrasound | 103 days (sooner for urgent exams) |
Access your medical imaging records online with PocketHealth
We are proud to offer our patients the ability to access, store, and share their medical imaging records using PocketHealth. Instead of having to pick up and carry around a CD, PocketHealth allows you to:
- Instantly access your imaging records anytime, on any device
- Share your imaging in full diagnostic quality with your physician or specialist
- Permanently and safely store your records - strong privacy and encryption protocols keep your medical information as secure as your banking information
Please note that reports are not included at this time for CMH.
How to get PocketHealth
Register online: www.pocket.health/cmh
PocketHealth has different membership options: Basic ($0), Core ($29) and Unlimited ($49) - this information is up-to-date as of December 23, 2024 and may have changed.
To access your health records (i.e., non-imaging records) for free, visit Health Records for information about ConnectMyHealth.
Depending on the Diagnostic Images being taken, you may be asked to bring different things. Typically, you will require:
- Health Card: Please bring your health card when you check-in at Patient Registration (Wing A, Level 1, Main Entrance) and proceed to Diagnostic Registration (Wing A, Level 1, just past the elevators).
- Medications: Bring your medications, including over-the-counter medicine and supplements, to each appointment. Keeping an up-to-date list of your medications can be useful.
- Nuclear Medicine Stress Test: Please come prepared with running shoes as you may need them for parts of the test.
Please bring any personal assistive devices that you require for your appointment. For example, any communication or mobility device you may need like a walker, hearing aid, etc.
Kindly note that CMH has a no scent policy. Refrain from using or wearing perfumes, scented deodorants and scented products before coming to hospital.
Thank you for your visit. At anytime you wish to provide feedback, we encourage you to share them directly with your healthcare team as soon as possible. You may also speak with the social worker, spiritual care advisor, charge nurse, or management (see below).
If you shared a concern that you feel has not been addressed, connect with the Patient Experience Lead at patientrelations@cmh.org.
Kim Rose - Manager, Diagnostic Imaging & Diagnostic Cardiology Services ext. 2294
Kenneth Abogadil, Director Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory & Diagnostic Cardiology Services - ext. 2239
Walk-ins for x-rays with a requisition from your doctor are accepted, except for requests for Scoliosis, Leg Lengths and Skeletal Survey studies, which must be pre- booked. All other consultation requests must be sent in by the referring physician or nurse practitioner. Once the requisition is received, you may be able to schedule the day and time of the session.
Individuals 40 years and over that meet the criteria, may self-schedule a mammography without a requisition from a referring clinician, as part of the OBSP program.
Yes, some scans may require you to remove your glucose monitor as it may be unsafe to have it on or not work properly after being exposed to the scanner (e.g., MRI uses a strong magnetic field and this will damage the device).
You may be asked to wear a hospital gown for the safety of patients and staff. Some scans, like MRI, use strong magnetic fields, so wearing a gown ensures that all metal is removed, there are no metal shavings or material in your clothing that would degrade the MRI image or cause injury.
Contrast distinguishes, or "contrasts," between organs, tissues, bones, or blood vessels during some imaging exams. It doesn't enhances how the image scanner (e.g., x-ray, CT or MRI) sees them. It is important for radiologists to use this for some tests to distinguish between normal and abnormal conditions. For example, for MRI with contrast, a gadolinium-based contrast agent will be injected into a vein to help acquire an enhanced and clearer picture of the area being imaged.
Yes, most diagnostic imaging tests are very safe. If your test involves radiation, like X-rays or CT scans, the amount used is carefully controlled and kept to the lowest level necessary for accurate results. Procedures involving contrast dyes include many precautions to minimize the risk, and allergic reactions are rare. If you're pregnant ot have specific health concerns, let us know so we can tailor the test to your needs.
The time it takes to get your results may vary depending on the type of imaging and the urgency of your case. Typically, the images will be reviewed by the radiologist, who will send a report to your physician within 24-48 hours. Your physician will discuss the results with you. You can also access your scans online. See the dropdown "Access my Images Online" above for more information.
Most imaging tests are painless. If you feel any significant discomfort or are claustrophobic so we can work with you to make the experience as smooth as possible. Your comfort and safety are our priorities.
For example:
- X-rays: You may be asked to hold still or move into specific positions, which some might find uncomfortable.
- MRI or CT scans: You lie down for these scans in a confined space, which some might find uncomfortable.
- Contrast dye: Some people experience a warm sensation or a metallic taste, but this usually passes quickly.
Park in Lot #2 and enter the hospital through the Main Entrance or Emergency Department (after hours)
The Diagnostic Imaging registration area is conveniently located near the Main Entrance, around the courtyard, opposite of the Public Elevators and Patient Laboratory. .
Refer to the maps below or ask one of our volunteers for directions when you visit. Once registered, you will be directed to one of six wait rooms, where you will be called for your test
Diagnostic Imaging is open Monday through Friday for requisitions. Some sub-departments are open at different times, so please check with the bookings clerk.
Location: Wing A, Level 1, near the Main Lobby
Phone: Look in Services for booking line numbers
Main line: 519-621-2330
Schedule: Monday to Friday at various times for patients with requisitions (except for OBSP eligible patients). See Services for more information.