Wait Times in Medical Imaging Services: A Registry-Based Study for Specific Examinations in the Makkah Region

Abstract Introduction: Timely access to diagnostic imaging is essential for high-quality and equitable healthcare. Prolonged waiting times can delay diagnosis, compromise treatment outcomes, and reduce patient satisfaction. This study examined regional variations in request-to-scan waiting times across major imaging modalities in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia, in line with national quality benchmarks and Vision 2030 objectives. Methods: A registry-based cross-sectional analysis was conducted using institutional data from 29 healthcare facilities across the Makkah region, encompassing public, specialist, military, and private institutions. Data included request-to-scan intervals, patient categories, imaging volumes, and modality-specific equipment counts for 2023 and 2024. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using statistical analysis software JASP to identify variations across modalities, providers, and cities, and to evaluate changes over time against national key performance indicator (KPI) benchmarks. Results: Across all facilities, the mean waiting time was 98.2 h (4.1 days). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) recorded the longest mean delay (155.2 h; 6.5 days), followed by nuclear medicine (NM) (98.9 h; 4.1 days) and computed tomography (CT) (87.5 h; 3.7 days). Ultrasound and mammography exhibited shorter waits within KPI thresholds. Public hospitals experienced significantly longer waits than private institutions, while outpatients had the highest delays across all modalities. Mean waiting times improved between 2023 and 2024, particularly for CT (−54.9 h; −2.3 days). Conclusion: Diagnostic imaging waiting times in the Makkah region are improving but remain heterogeneous. Persistent delays in outpatient MRI and NM highlight the need for targeted workflow optimization, decentralized diagnostic hubs, and data-driven operational planning to enhance equity and efficiency in service delivery.