Faq’s

IRM Sud Ouest > Faq’s

General

IRM Sud-Ouest is Montreal’s #1 private MRI clinic. With over 20 years of experience, we are equipped with Montreal’s most advanced AI-powered MRI system that delivers sharper imaging with fewer missed findings. Our radiologists have been rated Top 3 in Montreal for 5 consecutive years. We offer same-week appointments,claustrophobia-free open-concept MRI, and most exams are completed in just 15 to 20 minutes.

The cost of a private MRI in Montreal varies depending on the type of exam. Contact IRM Sud-Ouest at 514.484.8484 for specific pricing. Private MRI is not covered by RAMQ but may be covered by private insurance or group benefits plans. IRM Sud-Ouest also offers flexible financing options.

A: IRM Sud-Ouest is Montreal’s #1 clinic for non-invasive prostate MRI, using AI-powered imaging technology. Our prostate MRI requires no endorectal device, making it significantly more comfortable than traditional prostate MRI. The exam takes approximately 20 minutes and is completed in our open-concept, claustrophobia-free MRI system.

IRM Sud-Ouest offers Montreal’s shortest private MRI wait times. Most patients receive their appointment within the same week of calling. While the public healthcare system can have wait times of up to 1 year, IRM Sud-Ouest typically schedules patients within days.

Yes. IRM Sud-Ouest is Montreal’s #1 claustrophobia-free MRI clinic, using an AI-powered open-bore MRI system with a 70 cm wide opening — one of the most spacious MRI machines available. The open-concept design significantly reduces feelings of confinement. For lower body scans, many patients’ heads remain completely outside the machine.

A: IRM Sud-Ouest offers Montreal’s most comprehensive range of private MRI exams including spine MRI, knee MRI, shoulder MRI, brain MRI, whole-body MRI, non-invasive prostate MRI, breast MRI, MRI enterography, and more. All exams use AI-powered imaging for the highest diagnostic accuracy.

A: Yes, a doctor’s requisition is required for all MRI exams at IRM Sud-Ouest. If you don’t have a referral, speak with your family doctor or specialist about getting one. You can download our requisition form at https://irmsudouest.com/requisition/.

A: Most MRI exams at IRM Sud-Ouest are completed in 15 to 20 minutes — up to 50% faster than traditional MRI machines. This is made possible by our AI-powered acceleration technology, making us one of the fastest MRI clinics in Montreal.

Location & Contact

5515 Rue St-Jacques Ouest Bureau 200, on the corner of St-Jacques and Girouard, accessible by car and metro → 10 min walk away from metro Vendome. Directions

info@irmsudouest.com

FAX: 514-484-8000

TEL: 514-484-8484

Opening Hours

We’re open Monday to Friday from 7:45 AM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Our phone line is available from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

Booking an Appointment

To schedule an ultrasound appointment, please send us your doctor’s medical request (prescription or exam request). You can send it · By email to: INFO@IRMSUDOUEST.COM · Or by fax to: 514.484-8400 Please include your full contact information (last name, first name, phone number). Once we receive the request, our team will contact you to schedule an appointment.

For general, pregnancy, or breast ultrasounds, we usually have availability within a few days.

Yes — all except for echocardiograms, which are private.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSK)

Send your doctor’s referral with your full details by email or fax. You will be added to the waiting list automatically.

Yes, it’s fully covered.

Yes — all except for echocardiograms, which are private.

Parking

Yes — there are limited spots, and additional street parking nearby.

Cancellations & Delays

Email info@irmsudouest.com or stay on the line to speak with a receptionist.

A delay of up to 15 minutes is tolerated. After that, your appointment may be cancelled.

What to Bring

  • Valid RAMQ card (if applicable)
  • Doctor’s signed referral
  • For refugees: immigration document with IUC number
  • For Concordia students: student ID + valid Blue Cross card

Accompaniment

  • Ultrasounds: You may be accompanied by one person — no children or babies.
  • MRI: Only the patient is allowed in the room. 

Exam Results

  • MRI: 4 business days
  • Pregnancy ultrasound: 7 business days
  • General & MSK ultrasound: 14 business days

Yes, email us at info@irmsudouest.com to request it.

Yes — let the receptionist know before your exam or email us your request.

MRI

Send your doctor’s referral by email or fax. If you’re a CNESST or SAAQ patient, include your file number for faster processing.

Usually 24 to 48 hours once we receive your referral.

No, MRI is a private service. Prices start at 740 dollars depending on the body part.

Yes, it is fully covered for those patients.

Yes — most plans cover 80% to 100%. We provide a receipt for reimbursement.

About MRI

Yes — but it’s not recommended for people with certain metal implants. Please inform us in advance.

No — it’s a non-invasive and painless test. Some exams may require contrast injection.

Between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the body part.

A gown will be provided. Remove all metal items before the exam.

You’ll hear loud knocking sounds — like a giant camera. You’ll be given headphones with music.

Only the body part being scanned goes in the center. For example, if it’s your knee, your head stays outside.

Yes — talk to your doctor about taking Ativan. If the scan can’t be completed, we retain 25% of the fee and will reschedule the rest.

You’ll always be in contact with the MRI technologist via intercom and observation window.

Yes — certain metal implants. You’ll be screened beforehand. The radiologist will decide if the exam is safe.

Yes, but only if the radiologist confirms it’s necessary. No contrast is used during pregnancy.

Usually within 5 business days. The report will be sent to your referring physician.

Special Cases

Yes. Please send the referral so we can schedule with the appropriate technologist.

Yes — bring your immigration paper with your IUC number.

Yes — bring your student ID and valid insurance card.

Whole-Body MRI

A Whole-Body MRI is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging exam that provides a detailed overview of your entire body—from head to pelvis—using magnetic fields and radio waves. At IRM Sud Ouest Montreal, we use the latest AI-powered MRI technology to capture ultra-clear images in roughly 60 minutes, allowing early detection of disease long before symptoms appear.

Our AI-enhanced MRI systems deliver exceptional diagnostic precision. The technology sharpens images, reduces noise, and standardizes quality across sequences, enabling radiologists to identify subtle abnormalities earlier and with greater confidence. It is highly effective for detecting early-stage cancers, vascular conditions, liver and kidney disease, and other systemic issues.

Our center combines AI-driven imaging with advanced multiparametric MRI sequences that provide more information in less time. Each scan is interpreted by radiologists who specialize in preventive and full-body imaging. The result: shorter exams, superior clarity, and truly actionable insights into your health.

Does the Whole-Body MRI replace routine screening tests

No. It complements guideline based screening such as mammography colon screening and prostate testing.

No. MRI relies entirely on magnetic fields and radiofrequency energy, not ionizing radiation. This makes it completely safe for repeated use and ideal for ongoing health monitoring.

Anyone seeking proactive, preventive care can benefit—especially individuals who:
• Have a family history of cancer or chronic disease
• Want an annual “virtual physical” to establish a health baseline
• Have unexplained symptoms or wish to detect conditions early

Yes, Quebec, a medical referral is required.

• Remove all metal objects before entering the scanner
• Arrive 30 minutes early to complete your intake
The exam itself lasts about 60 minutes. You will lie comfortably on a padded table, and our technologists will communicate with you throughout the procedure.

Yes. Our wide-bore scanners provide extra space and comfort, while noise-reducing headphones and AI-assisted motion correction help minimize movement and shorten total scan time. Most patients find the experience calm and painless.

You’ll receive a comprehensive physician-signed report with key annotated images and clear explanations. If any urgent findings appear, our medical team will contact you directly and coordinate with your healthcare provider for timely follow-up.

Your scan also serves as a baseline for future comparisons, allowing our AI MRI technology to detect even the smallest changes over time.

You’ll receive a comprehensive physician-signed report with key annotated images and clear explanations. If any urgent findings appear, our medical team will contact you directly and coordinate with your healthcare provider for timely follow-up.

Your scan also serves as a baseline for future comparisons, allowing our AI MRI technology to detect even the smallest changes over time.

Absolutely. MRI is one of the safest imaging technologies available. In most cases, there is no radiation, no recovery period, and no injections required. Our AI-optimized systems further enhance image quality while maintaining total patient safety.

Yes. All MRI studies are stored securely in compliance with Canadian privacy laws. This allows us to compare your future exams with your baseline images for more precise, long-term monitoring

• AI-powered MRI technology for the most accurate diagnostics
• Comprehensive 60-minute exam with faster turnaround time
• Radiation-free, non-invasive screening for total body health
• Specialized radiologists in advanced and preventive imaging
• Detailed reports and coordinated follow-up with your physician
• Comfort-focused, patient-centered care in a modern facility

Exam Preparation

  • Abdominal or pelvic: Fast for 4 hours. Drink 500 ml of water 40 minutes before.
  • Pregnancy: Drink 500 ml of water 40 minutes before.
  • MSK, thyroid, breast, testicles, soft tissues: No preparation required.
  • Ultrasound: Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
  • MRI with contrast: Arrive 30 minutes early.
  • MRI without contrast: Arrive 15 minutes early.

Do you have a question about our Services?

Let us know. We are her to assist in any way possible.

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