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In Canada, our health care is paid for through taxes and funded by the government, yet not all services are covered and imaging in some provinces – like MRI scans – can be public or private. It can be confusing.
The biggest health care service provider in Alberta is Alberta Health Services (AHS) and in Saskatchewan it’s the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). Through them you have access to a range of health care, such as laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, emergency services, medical tests, visits with a doctor, nurse, mental health counsellor, etc.
Imaging services covered under both AHS and SHA may be provided at provincial health centres, or at community clinics – like Mayfair Diagnostics, which is owned and operated by physicians. Either way, when accessing public services at these sites you’ll be asked to show your provincial health card. Some of these facilities also offer private imaging services which can be paid for through supplementary health insurance, employer health spending accounts, or out of pocket.
When it comes to diagnostic imaging services, Mayfair Diagnostics’ experienced team uses state-of-the-art technology to serve over 700,000 patients each year through a combination of community-based medical imaging services. This includes performing publicly covered services at one of our 16 community clinics, and privately paid computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
At Mayfair, we offer private MRI services as a compliment to the public health care system. Our community-based private MRI exams serve patients who, for a variety of reasons, may be unable to wait for an MRI within the public system and choose to pay for their MRIs privately.
Some patients, who have been dealing with chronic pain or a disability, have exhausted conservative treatment options, like rest, physiotherapy, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, medication, etc. without improvement and still do not have a clear diagnosis for their symptoms. In these cases, MRI can be helpful by providing a really detailed look at what’s going on inside the patient.
MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to provide very clear images of areas of the body, without radiation. Since treatment plans are most effective when there is a clear understanding of the source of symptoms, MRI can clarify the diagnosis and better direct therapy.
Through Mayfair Diagnostics’ community-based private MRI services, patients receive high quality imaging paralleling that in the hospital, but with easier access. Mayfair’s very experienced staff includes highly qualified technologists and support staff, and specialized radiologists who interpret the images.
Mayfair Diagnostics’ team of radiologists has sub-specialty expertise in neuroradiology, body, cardiac/chest, breast, and musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging, to name a few. As imaging technology and techniques evolve, sub-specialized interpretation ensures that patients receive a thorough diagnosis, allowing them to save time and focus on treatment options. Often this puts patients on the path to recovery quicker.
Whether it’s identifying a targeted area for treatment with surgery or an injection, finding an illness early, or excluding serious pathology, a clear diagnosis can provide peace of mind for patients.
Whether public or private, an MRI must be requested by a health care practitioner. To determine whether an MRI is recommended, patients and their doctors often review how long symptoms have been present, how they affect daily activities, what therapies have been tried, and what imaging exams, like X-ray or ultrasound, have shown. They may also look at different treatment options, their possible outcomes and risks, and whether a private MRI is appropriate for their situation.
If a private MRI scan is indicated as the best next course of action for a patient, a requisition will be provided and the appointment can be booked. It’s important to note that while an MRI doesn’t use radiation, it is a very large magnet and patients will need to ensure they are properly screened (for internal metal objects) and changed prior to their exam.
For more information about MRI scans, please visit our MRI services page.
MyHealthAlberta (2022) “Know Your Options.” www.myhealth.alberta.ca. Accessed September 28, 2022.
Government of Alberta (2022) “Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).” www.alberta.ca. Accessed September 28, 2022.
Saskatchewan Health Authority (2022) “Your Health: Conditions, Illnesses, Services & Wellness.” www.saskhealthauthority.ca. Accessed September 28, 2022.
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At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every image tells a story—and every story deserves care.
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we provide state-of-the-art medical imaging that helps patients and physicians get the clarity they need to make informed decisions about health. From routine check-ups to complex diagnoses, our role is to deliver answers with compassion and accuracy.
We offer a full spectrum of imaging services, including:
MRI, CT, and X-Ray for advanced diagnostic insight
Ultrasound and Mammography for preventative and women’s health
Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, and Cardiac Imaging for specialized care
Pain Management and Interventional Procedures to improve quality of life
But our work extends beyond exams and equipment. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we connect urban, rural, and remote communities with expert radiology services—ensuring access to care when and where it’s needed most.
We also partner with local organizations, sports teams, and community groups to keep people healthy and active. From professional athletes to families booking their first screening, our commitment is the same: timely results, advanced technology, and compassionate care.
To improve lives with clarity, compassion, and care—one focused image at a time.
But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines us is our culture of compassion. We’re a team of caregivers, innovators, and problem-solvers who share a commitment to excellence. Whether supporting frontline care, developing new technology workflows, or guiding a patient through their appointment, we approach our work with empathy and integrity.
At Mayfair, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of a community. Together, we’re shaping the future of health care, making advanced imaging accessible, and creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE DO. Why we’re more than a workplace
At Mayfair Diagnostics, we’re caregivers, nurturers, creators and thought leaders—deeply rooted in a passion to help people. We deliver meaningful work, compassionate care, and an environment where every team member can thrive.
Key Points:
Founded on over a century of excellence in medical imaging.
Owned and operated by 50+ radiologists, supported by 400–640+ employees across clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles.
Operating 17 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond (14 in Calgary, plus Cochrane, Regina, Saskatoon).
Serving 600,000–700,000 patients annually, delivering over 90,000 radiological interpretations—the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada.
Vision & Mission:
Vision: “A world in which every person has clarity about their health.”
Mission: “To improve people’s lives, one focused image and one caring, compassionate human touch at a time.”
