Ontario has (finally!) made the call to community surgical and diagnostic centers for applications for new licences under the Integrated Community Health Services Centres Act, 2023 (the Act) to provide MRI and CT services.
The call for MRI applications and CT applications is open until August 12, 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Expanding MRI and CT Services: The Ontario Government is seeking to expand the number of community-based centers available to facilitate surgeries and procedures, with the goal of ensuring faster and proximally closer care for patients.
- Eligibility and Application Process: Detailed eligibility criteria are outlined in the Application Guidelines. Key considerations for eligibility include: the proposed service volume applicants anticipate being able to deliver at their proposed health facility, as well as the annual service volumes anticipated to be viable for at least the next five years.
- Future Calls for Applications: There will be future calls for applications, announced on the webpage. Three calls are planned for 2024, including MRI/CT imaging services, GI Endoscopy procedures, and Orthopedic surgeries.
Community Surgical and Diagnostic Centres
It is recognized that community-based surgical and diagnostic centres are vital to Ontario's publicly-funded healthcare system. There are currently over 900 licensees operating throughout Ontario, offering a wide array of OHIP-insured services under the Act. These services include cataract surgeries, plastic surgeries, routine diagnostic imaging, MRI/CT scans, and more. All licensed centres are required to comply with quality and safety standards, including participation in a mandatory quality assurance program, and each centre is required to appoint a quality assurance advisor responsible for maintaining standards set by Accreditation Canada.
A complete list of all licensed centers, and the services offered, can be found on the Community Surgical and Diagnostic Centre Listing.
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