Breast Ultrasound in Toronto & the GTA
A gentle scan often used alongside mammography, with no compression and no radiation.
At a glance
- How long
- About 20 to 45 minutes depending on the exam
- How to prepare
- No preparation is needed.
- Cost
- Covered by OHIP With a requisition. Without OHIP from $70
- Results
- 24 to 48 hours Report sent to your doctor
A breast ultrasound is a scan that uses sound waves to look inside the breast. It is often used to check a lump or a change, and it is often used alongside mammography, especially for dense breast tissue. It uses no radiation and no compression, and you need a requisition from your doctor or nurse practitioner.
A breast ultrasound does not replace a screening mammogram. If you are 40 to 74 and want routine screening, you may be able to book a mammogram yourself through the Ontario Breast Screening Program.
Why your doctor might order it
- To look at a lump or a change you or your doctor noticed
- To look more closely at something seen on a mammogram
- Alongside mammography, especially for dense breast tissue
How to prepare
- No preparation is needed.
- Wear a two-piece outfit, since you undress from the waist up and wear a gown.
- If you have had a mammogram or breast imaging somewhere else, bring the date and place.
What happens at your appointment
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early with your health card and your signed requisition.
- You change into a gown in a private change room.
- You lie on your back, sometimes with one arm raised above your head. The sonographer puts gel on the area being checked.
- A small handheld probe moves gently over the skin. There is no squeezing like in a mammogram.
- When it is done you wipe off the gel, get dressed and carry on with your day.
- A radiologist reads your images. Your results are sent securely to your referring provider, who will review them with you.
How long: About 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the exam.
Cost and OHIP coverage
With a valid Ontario health card and a requisition, this exam is covered by OHIP. There is no charge for the exam, the report or your images.
Without OHIP, Bluewater's cash fee schedule lists a breast ultrasound at $70 for one side or $140 for both sides, as of October 2026. The full list of self-pay prices is on our Insurance & Billing page.
Where to have it done
- 123 Edward Street 123 Edward Street, Suite 600, Toronto Book
- Eglinton Avenue East 150 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 301, Toronto Book
- Etobicoke 3170 Lake Shore Blvd West, Suite 101, Etobicoke Book
- Keele & Ingram 2221 Keele Street, Suite 106, North York Book
- Lawrence & Dufferin 960 Lawrence Ave. West, Suite 203, North York Book
- Scarborough 1371 Neilson Road, Suite 309, Scarborough Book
- University Heights 1275 Finch Ave W, Suite 114, North York Book
- Woodbridge 4600 Highway 7 West, Unit LL30, Woodbridge Book
- Belleville 210 Dundas Street East, Suite 301, Belleville Book
- Port Hope 249 Ontario Street, Suite 110, Port Hope Book
All ten clinics list general ultrasound. To check which clinic does breast ultrasound, call 416-462-0064.
Common questions
Do I need a referral for a breast ultrasound?
Yes. A breast ultrasound at Bluewater needs a requisition from your doctor or nurse practitioner, and it is covered by OHIP with a valid health card. A screening mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program is the breast exam you can book without a referral, if you qualify.
Is a breast ultrasound better than a mammogram?
They do different jobs. A mammogram is the standard test for breast screening, and an ultrasound is often used alongside it to look more closely at a lump or an area of concern. Your doctor decides which test, or both, is right for you.
Does a breast ultrasound hurt?
No. The sonographer moves a small probe with gel over your skin, with gentle pressure. There is no compression like in a mammogram, and no radiation.
Is a breast ultrasound covered by OHIP?
Yes, with a valid Ontario health card and a requisition. Without OHIP, Bluewater's self-pay price is $70 for one side or $140 for both sides, as of October 2026.