By Kam Chhabra, MRT(N), CCPA — Physician Relations Manager, Vitacorp
One of the most common questions we get from new patients is some version of “how much is this going to cost me?” It’s a fair question — healthcare billing in Ontario isn’t always obvious. Here’s a clear, practical answer.
The Short Answer: Yes, With Conditions
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) covers diagnostic ultrasound and X-ray when three conditions are met:
- The exam is ordered by a licensed physician or authorized healthcare provider
- You have a valid Ontario health card
- The exam is performed at an accredited diagnostic imaging facility
If all three are in place, you pay nothing at the time of service. Vitacorp is an accredited facility, so for eligible patients walking in with a health card and a requisition, there is no charge. We bill OHIP Card directly on your behalf.
What Types of X-Ray Are OHIP Covered?
Essentially all standard diagnostic X-rays ordered by a physician are covered by OHIP. This includes:
- Chest X-ray
- Hand, wrist, and finger X-rays
- Foot, ankle, and toe X-rays
- Knee X-ray
- Hip X-ray
- Shoulder X-ray
- Spine X-ray (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)
- Elbow, forearm, leg, and other extremity X-rays
If your family doctor, walk-in physician, emergency doctor, specialist, or physiotherapist (in some cases) has signed a requisition for the X-ray, and you have a valid OHIP card, it’s covered. That’s the straightforward version.
What Types of Ultrasound Are OHIP Covered?
The same logic applies to ultrasound: physician-ordered, clinically indicated ultrasound is covered. Common types we perform that are OHIP billable include:
- Abdominal ultrasound — liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen
- Pelvic ultrasound — uterus, ovaries, bladder
- Obstetric ultrasound — prenatal imaging at various stages
- MSK (musculoskeletal) ultrasound — tendons, ligaments, joints
- Thyroid ultrasound — thyroid gland and lymph nodes
- Vascular ultrasound — including AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) screening
- Breast ultrasound — when ordered for diagnostic purposes
As long as there’s a clinical reason and a physician’s order, the scan is covered.
What's NOT Covered by OHIP
There are a few notable exceptions worth knowing about:
Immigration medical X-rays. If you’re applying for immigration to Canada and require a chest X-ray for IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), that X-ray is billed privately. The cost is typically modest, and we offer immigration medical chest X-rays here at Vitacorp. But it won’t go through your OHIP card because it’s not a medical referral — it’s an administrative requirement for immigration purposes.
Elective or cosmetic scans. Keepsake 3D ultrasound photos in pregnancy (not ordered by a physician), screening for conditions not clinically indicated, or any scan performed for personal curiosity rather than medical necessity is not OHIP covered.
Repeat scans without a new requisition. If you’ve had an exam done and want a repeat scan without a new physician’s referral order, that won’t be covered.
What If My Health Card Is Expired?
This matters more than people realize: an expired health card is not a valid health card for OHIP billing purposes. If your card is expired, call ServiceOntario or visit their website to renew before coming in for imaging. If you arrive with an expired card, we may not be able to bill OHIP and you may be responsible for the cost of the exam.
Check your expiry date before your visit. It takes two minutes and prevents a frustrating situation at the front desk.
What If I Don't Have a Requisition?
Without a physician’s signed requisition, we cannot perform OHIP-covered imaging. If you don’t have one, you have a few options:
- Call your doctor’s office and ask them to fax a requisition directly to Vitacorp: (416) 762-3818
- Visit a walk-in medical clinic — a walk-in physician can write a requisition for imaging if they clinically indicate it
- Ask your specialist — if you saw a specialist who ordered imaging verbally, call their office for the written form
A prescription-style note is not the same as a requisition. The signed form from your doctor that specifies the exam and the reason is what we need.
Does Vitacorp Accept All OHIP-Covered Patients?
Yes. If you have a valid Ontario health card and a physician’s requisition for an exam we perform, you’re covered here. We don’t turn patients away based on coverage. We bill the province directly, and your portion of the cost is zero for eligible exams.
Private Pay Options
Some patients come to us without OHIP coverage — new arrivals to Ontario, visitors from other provinces, or people with immigration-related medical requirements. In those cases, we can discuss private-pay rates for the exams you need. Call us at (416) 762-3818 and we’ll give you a clear picture of what applies to your situation.
Where We Are
Vitacorp Islington Station is at Suite 603, 1243 Islington Ave, Etobicoke — connected to Islington TTC Station via covered walkway. Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Walk-ins welcome.
If you have any questions about whether your specific exam is covered, or whether we perform it, a quick call to (416) 762-3818 gets you a straight answer from our team. We’re not complicated about this stuff — if it’s covered, we’ll tell you. If it’s not, we’ll explain what the cost is so you’re not surprised.
— Kam, Vitacorp Islington Station
📍 Suite 603, 1243 Islington Ave, Etobicoke | 📞 (416) 762-3818 | Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
What Patients Are Saying
4.4 stars — 198 Google reviews
“Fantastic team of professionals! Clean facility! Best place for X-ray and ultrasound in Etobicoke.” — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Local Guide (141 reviews)
“I came in for an X-ray the other day and was taken right in. This is the fastest and most efficient walk-in X-ray clinic in Etobicoke I have been to. The staff is very professional.” — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cove Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OHIP cover ultrasound in Ontario?
Yes — when ordered by a physician with a valid requisition and your Ontario health card. Vitacorp bills OHIP directly at no cost to you.
Does OHIP cover X-ray in Ontario?
Yes — same conditions apply: physician’s requisition plus valid Ontario health card at an accredited facility like Vitacorp.
What do I need to bring?
Your valid (non-expired) Ontario health card and your doctor’s signed requisition. Both are required.
Is there any imaging NOT covered by OHIP?
Immigration medical X-rays for IRCC are billed privately. Elective, cosmetic, or non-physician-ordered scans are not covered. We offer immigration medical X-rays at Vitacorp — call (416) 762-3818 for pricing.
Can I get imaging without a requisition?
Not for OHIP-covered exams. If you don’t have one, your doctor can fax it to us, or a walk-in clinic can write one if clinically indicated.
Does Vitacorp bill OHIP directly?
Yes. Vitacorp is accredited and bills OHIP directly on your behalf. You pay nothing at the time of service for eligible exams.
