Scheduling an appointment for MRI: patient perception of wait time and difficulty

Many patients experienced some difficulty scheduling an MRI, particularly when calling multiple sites, since there is no centralized point of contact. HMO agreements can also lengthen the wait. Alongside objective metrics documented by service providers, it is important to consider patients' perspectives in scheduling imaging. While efforts have been made in recent years to tackle MRI WT, adding scanners and personnel, the majority of patients wait at least a month, and the process of scheduling and waiting for an appointment can be challenging. Policy changes, including greater transparency of WTs in different institutions, and a centralized booking center for MRI, could be considered to streamline the appointment process and reduce the challenges patients face.