Can You Get a Mammogram Without a Referral in Ontario?
Yes. Eligible women aged 40 and over can book their own screening Mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program, with no doctor's visit and no cost. Here's who qualifies and how to book.
Key points
- Women aged 40 and over with a valid OHIP card, no breast symptoms and no history of breast cancer can book their own screening Mammogram.
- It's covered by OHIP through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). No referral, no fee.
- If you have a lump or another breast change, see your doctor instead: a diagnostic Mammogram needs a requisition.
Yes. In Ontario, eligible women aged 40 and over can book their own screening Mammogram without a referral, through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), which covers screening up to age 74. You don’t need to see a doctor first, and it’s covered by OHIP. At Bluewater Imaging you can book it online or by phone.
Here’s who qualifies, how often to go, what to do if you don’t qualify, and what the appointment is like.
Can you get a Mammogram without a referral in Ontario?
A screening Mammogram is for people who feel well and have no symptoms. The OBSP lets eligible women book one directly, with no referral or order from a physician or nurse practitioner. It’s free with a valid OHIP card.
A diagnostic Mammogram is different. It looks closely at a specific concern, such as a lump, and needs a requisition from your doctor or nurse practitioner. It’s also covered by OHIP.
Who is eligible to self-refer?
You can book your own screening Mammogram at Bluewater if all of these are true:
- You are a female between the ages of 40 and 74.
- You have a valid OHIP card.
- You do not have a previous history of breast cancer.
- You do not have any breast-related symptoms.
- You are able to stand unassisted for your appointment.
- At the time of your appointment, you will not have had a bilateral mammogram (both breasts examined) in the last 12 months.
- You have not had a mammogram breast biopsy in the last 2 years.
If one of these doesn’t fit you, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a Mammogram. It means the route is different: speak with your doctor and ask for a referral, then call us to book.
How often should I have a screening Mammogram?
The Government of Ontario explains the program by age:
- 40 to 49: you can self-refer, with no referral needed. Ontario suggests talking with your doctor, nurse practitioner or Health811 about your own risk, to help decide whether screening is right for you now.
- 50 to 74: the OBSP recommends a Mammogram every 2 years, with no referral needed.
- Over 74: speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner. You’ll need a referral.
People aged 30 to 69 who are confirmed to be at high risk, based on family or medical history, follow a separate path with yearly screening. That status has to be confirmed by a doctor or genetic counsellor, so it starts with your provider.
What if I have symptoms or don’t qualify?
Please don’t wait for a screening appointment. If you’ve noticed a lump, a change in your nipple or skin, or anything new in your breast, see your doctor or nurse practitioner. They can order a diagnostic Mammogram, a breast Ultrasound or both, and those need a requisition. Read Do you need a requisition for an X-Ray or Ultrasound in Ontario? for how requisitions work.
How do I book a self-referral Mammogram?
Three ways: book online on our self-referral Mammogram page, use the booking page, or call 416-462-0064 (Monday to Thursday 8am to 6pm, Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to 4pm). Most appointments are available within 48 hours.
Mammography and OBSP screening are offered at four Bluewater clinics: 123 Edward Street in downtown Toronto, Lawrence & Dufferin in North York, Woodbridge and Port Hope. Hours and directions are on our locations page.
Bring your health card and the date and place of your last mammogram, if you’ve had one. Tell us when you book if you have breast implants, so we can allow 30 minutes instead of 15.
What happens at the appointment?
A screening Mammogram is quick: about 15 minutes for the scan, and your full appointment is usually done within 20 minutes. Your technologist for Mammography is always female. Each breast is placed on a flat plate and pressed by a second plate for a few seconds while the picture is taken. Most women find it briefly uncomfortable. If it hurts, say so and she will pause and reposition you.
To prepare, use no deodorant, antiperspirant, lotion or powder under the arms or on the chest on the day of your exam, because the particles can show up on the images. Wear a two-piece outfit, since you only undress from the waist up. The full list is on our preparation instructions page.
How do I get my results?
A radiologist reads your images. If your result is normal, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) tells you by mail. If more imaging is recommended, the screening location notifies your doctor or nurse practitioner and may help schedule a follow-up appointment. You can also see your own images through PocketHealth.
Book your free screening Mammogram
If you meet the criteria, book online or call 416-462-0064. Learn more on our Mammogram page.
This article is general information. Always follow the instructions from your doctor and your appointment confirmation.
Common questions
Can you get a Mammogram without a referral in Ontario?
Yes. If you are a woman aged 40 and over with a valid OHIP card, no breast symptoms and no history of breast cancer, you can book your own screening Mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program. It is covered by OHIP.
Who is eligible to self-refer for a Mammogram?
Women aged 40 to 74 with a valid OHIP card who have no history of breast cancer, no breast-related symptoms, can stand unassisted, have not had a mammogram of both breasts in the last 12 months and have not had a breast biopsy in the last 2 years.
How often should I have a screening Mammogram?
The Government of Ontario says the OBSP recommends a mammogram every 2 years for people aged 50 to 74. From age 40 you can self-refer, and Ontario suggests talking with your doctor, nurse practitioner or Health811 about what is right for you.
How do I book a self-referral Mammogram?
Book online on Bluewater's self-referral Mammogram page or call 416-462-0064. Bring your health card and the date and place of your last mammogram. Mammography is offered at Edward Street, Lawrence & Dufferin, Woodbridge and Port Hope.
Keep reading
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.
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.
Ultrasound vs X-Ray:
What's the Difference?
Ultrasound uses sound waves and no radiation; an X-Ray uses a very low dose of radiation. Here's how each works, what it's used for, and how the two differ on the day.