Do You Need a Requisition for an X-Ray or Ultrasound in Ontario?
For an OHIP-covered X-ray or ultrasound, you need a signed requisition from a licensed provider. Here's who can write one, what to bring, and the few exams you can book on your own.
Key points
- In Ontario, an X-ray or diagnostic ultrasound needs a signed requisition from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Bluewater accepts requisitions from any licensed Ontario provider, on any form, at no extra cost.
- You can book three exams yourself: an OBSP screening mammogram, a DEXA body composition scan and a 3D/4D ultrasound.
Yes, in Ontario you need a requisition for an X-ray or a diagnostic ultrasound. A requisition is a signed order from a licensed healthcare provider, such as your family doctor, a specialist or a nurse practitioner. With a valid health card, the exam is then covered by OHIP. A few elective and screening exams don’t need one.
It’s one of the most common questions our call centre gets, usually from someone who’s just been told “go get an X-ray” and isn’t sure what to do next. Here’s the whole picture.
What is a requisition?
A requisition is the form your provider fills out to order an imaging exam. It tells us:
- who you are
- which exam you need, and which part of the body (for example, “left knee X-ray” or “abdominal ultrasound”)
- why the exam is being done, in a few words
- who ordered it, with their signature and billing number, so the radiologist’s report goes back to them
If anything on the form looks wrong, like the wrong side of the body or a misspelled name, ask your provider’s office to fix it before your appointment. We have to do the exam that’s written on the requisition, so a small mistake can mean a trip back to your provider for a corrected form.
That last point on the list matters too. The radiologist who reads your images sends the report to the provider named on the requisition. They’re the one who’ll explain your results and decide what happens next.
Requisition for X-ray in Ontario: who can write one?
Bluewater accepts requisitions from any licensed Ontario healthcare provider, on any form. In practice, most of the requisitions we see come from:
Family doctors and walk-in clinic doctors. If you don’t have a family doctor, a walk-in clinic can assess you and write one.
Specialists, such as orthopaedic surgeons, gynaecologists and sports medicine doctors.
Nurse practitioners. Ontario confirmed that, from July 1, 2023, X-rays and ultrasounds for any part of the body ordered by nurse practitioners are insured by OHIP.
Does it matter whose form it’s on?
No. Your doctor might print the requisition on a hospital’s form or another imaging clinic’s form. That’s fine. We accept them all, at no extra cost to you. The Ontario government also says that requisitions for insured services are valid at any Ontario location providing the same service.
So you can take your requisition to whichever of our ten clinics is easiest to reach, as long as that clinic offers your exam. All ten offer ultrasound. Nine offer X-ray.
Do you need a requisition if you pay yourself?
Yes, for diagnostic X-ray and ultrasound you still need a requisition even if you don’t have OHIP and are paying. These are medical exams. X-rays use a small dose of radiation, so they’re only done when a provider has decided one is needed, and every diagnostic exam needs a provider to receive the report. Our cash fee schedule (PDF) lists the self-pay prices as of October 2026.
Exams you can book without a requisition
There are three exceptions at Bluewater.
A screening mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). If you’re eligible, generally women aged 40 to 74 at average risk, you can book your own screening mammogram. It’s covered by OHIP and no referral is needed. See our self-referral mammogram page for who qualifies.
A DEXA body composition scan, $129. This is elective and not covered by OHIP.
A 3D/4D keepsake ultrasound, from $99. Also elective.
You can save 10% on DEXA or 3D/4D by paying online when you book. Note that a DEXA body composition scan is different from the bone mineral density (BMD) test your doctor orders for osteoporosis. That one needs a requisition and is covered by OHIP.
What to do with your requisition
Check it’s signed. An unsigned requisition can’t be used. Look at it before you leave your provider’s office.
Read the exam name. It tells you how to prepare. An abdominal ultrasound needs an empty stomach. A pelvic ultrasound needs a full bladder. Most X-rays need no preparation. Our preparation instructions cover each one.
Book, or walk in for X-ray. You can book online and attach a photo or scan of your requisition, or call 416-462-0064. For X-ray, walk-ins are welcome with a signed requisition, but booking ahead is encouraged. You can walk in any time the clinic is open. Our article on walking in for an X-ray explains the difference.
Bring it on the day. Bring the signed requisition and your health card to your appointment.
How long is a requisition good for?
This depends on the exam and on what your provider wrote. If your requisition is a few months old, call us and we’ll tell you whether you need a new one.
Ready when you are
Once you have your requisition, the rest is easy. Book online or call our call centre at 416-462-0064, and we’ll help you choose a clinic and a time. You can see all the exams we offer on our services page.
Common questions
Do I need a requisition for an X-ray in Ontario?
Yes. An X-ray must be ordered by a licensed healthcare provider on a signed requisition. With a valid Ontario health card, a medically needed X-ray is then covered by OHIP.
Can a nurse practitioner write a requisition for an ultrasound?
Yes. Ontario confirmed that, since July 1, 2023, X-rays and ultrasounds of any part of the body are insured when ordered by a nurse practitioner. Bluewater accepts requisitions from any licensed Ontario healthcare provider.
Which exams can I book without a requisition?
At Bluewater, you can book three things yourself: a screening mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program if you're eligible, a DEXA body composition scan ($129) and a 3D/4D keepsake ultrasound (from $99). Everything else needs a requisition.
My requisition is on another clinic's form. Can I still use it at Bluewater?
Yes. Bluewater accepts requisitions from any licensed Ontario healthcare provider, on any clinic's or hospital's form, at no extra cost. Ontario also says a requisition for an insured service is valid at any Ontario location that provides the same service.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your situation.
Keep reading
Can You Walk In for an X-Ray?
Walk-In vs. Booking
Yes, you can walk in for an X-ray at Bluewater with a signed requisition. Booking ahead is still a good idea. Here's how to decide, and what to bring either way.
Is My Ultrasound Covered by OHIP?
What's Free and What Isn't
With a valid Ontario health card and a requisition, a medically needed ultrasound costs you nothing. Here's what OHIP pays for, what it doesn't, and what to do if you're not covered.