Ontario Breast Screening Program

Taking an active role in your health is more important than ever. In Ontario, while the landscape of medical testing primarily relies on physician referrals, you can now self-refer for mammograms.  

What is "Self-Referral" in the Ontario Context?

True "self-referral" in Ontario means you can directly book a test without needing a referral from a medical professional, and the test is covered by OHIP. This is currently quite specific.

Where You CAN Self-Refer (OHIP Covered)?

Breast cancer screening through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). This is a powerful tool for early detection.

• For individuals aged 40 to 74: You can now directly book a mammogram through an OBSP location. No doctor's referral is needed, and these screenings are covered by OHIP.

  
  

To book an OBSP mammogram, you can contact an OBSP location directly or call the OBSP Appointment Booking Line at 1-800-668-9304.  Check out this website for locations near you and wait times!  https://www.ontariohealth.ca/public-reporting/wait-times

Where You Generally CANNOT Self-Refer (OHIP Covered, Requires Provider Referral):

For the vast majority of other medical tests, an OHIP-covered test still requires a requisition from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. This includes:

• Blood Tests & Urine Tests: For routine blood work (e.g., cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid panels) and urine tests, a medical doctor's order is essential for OHIP coverage.  Naturopathic Doctors can provide requisions for most blood & urine testing, but it is unfortunately not covered by OHIP.

• Colonoscopies: You cannot self-refer for a colonoscopy. For average-risk individuals (ages 50-74), the primary screening tool is the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), an at-home stool test. Your family doctor or nurse practitioner orders this test. If the FIT result is abnormal, a colonoscopy will then be referred and covered by OHIP. For high-risk individuals, your doctor will directly refer you for colonoscopies.

• Pap Tests (Cervical Screening): While you can't self-refer to a lab for an HPV/Pap test, you can often access these crucial screenings even without a family doctor. You'll still need a healthcare provider to perform the test and submit the requisition. Options include:

  • Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Sexual Health Clinics: Many offer cervical screening services.

  • Walk-in Clinics: Some provide Pap tests; it's best to call ahead.

  • Dedicated "HPV/Pap Test Clinics": Certain medical centres offer specific clinics where you can book directly, and a practitioner on staff will provide the necessary order and conduct the test.

    
    

Important Considerations for All Medical Tests:

• Holistic Care: Self-referral is a convenient tool for specific screenings but does not replace comprehensive medical care. A strong relationship with a family doctor or nurse practitioner AND a Naturopathic Doctor is crucial for ongoing health management, interpreting complex results, and coordinating specialized care when needed.