Interventional Radiology

What is Interventional Radiology?

Interventional Radiology is a therapeutic and diagnostic specialty of radiology. Interventional Radiologists use imaging guided procedures to diagnose and treat patients. Minimally invasive techniques are used in order to minimize patient risk, pain and recovery time in comparison to surgery.

Referring a Patient

A completed Inpatient/ Outpatient Vascular and Interventional Radiology requisition form must be completed by a physician for patients to be referred for Interventional Radiology at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. 

Please ensure the requisition form includes the referring physician’s information and signature, patient information and patient’s clinical history.

To obtain a copy of the Inpatient/ Outpatient Vascular and Interventional Radiology requisition form, visit the referral and consent forms page. Physician offices can fax a patient’s Inpatient/ Outpatient Vascular and Interventional Radiology requisition form to 905-883-0772.

How do I receive my appointment date and time?

Please allow three (3) to five (5) business days for a completed requisition form to be reviewed and processed by Mackenzie Health.

A clinician from Mackenzie Health will contact your referring physician’s office to advise:

• Appointment date and time
• Arrival time
• Associated preparations for the test

Your referring physician’s office will contact you directly with the above information.

If you receive a voicemail from the Patient Scheduling Office, please call 905-883-1212 ext. 2004 from Richmond Hill or 905-883-4554 ext. 2004 from Vaughan to complete the pre-registration process.

Online convenience with MyChart

Through MyChart, patients have online access:

• Appointment calendars and details
• Update your patient demographic at any time and e-check in seven days prior to your next appointment
• Receive post-appointment clinical notes and test results

Patients can register for MyChart when pre-registering for an appointment or can sign up online at mackenziehealth.ca/mychart.

How do I prepare for an Interventional Radiology appointment?

At the time of booking, patients will be advised by their referring physician’s office on their arrival time.

• A reminder, Mackenzie Health is a scent-free environment

Please follow any preparations provided by your referring physician.

• Bring your valid health card
• Please, notify your physician if you have any allergies or take blood thinning medication.
• Intervention Radiology procedures require preparation and recovery steps, this may include having blood work taken, insertion of an intravenous and changing into a hospital gown. Note, recovery time is dependent on the type of treatment or procedure you receive and can take up to two (2) hours.
• Patients are advised to not drive 24 hours after being given sedation and we recommend patients pre-arrange for a ride home with a family member.

How long does an Interventional Radiology test take?

Depending on the type of test, the procedure may take from 30 to 90 minutes. The preparation and recovery time may take several hours. You can expect to be here for approximately four (4) hours. You will be notified in advance if you are having a procedure that requires an overnight stay.

What do I do when I arrive at the hospital?

• Patients may park in the Visitors parking lot (North of the hospital) and enter through the D-wing, Emergency Department entrance. Click here for more information on parking services.

• During peak hours, parking can take longer than expected. Please allow yourself extra time to accommodate this. Alternate options are to take public transit or get dropped off by a family member or friend.
• Check in at Patient Registration located in C-Wing Level 2 (between the C-wing, main lobby and D-wing Emergency entrance) using our self-serve kiosks.

Map to Patient Registration:

How do I reschedule my appointment?

Please provide 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. You can cancel your appointments online using MyChart but will need to reschedule by calling the Interventional Radiology Department at 905-883-1212 ext. 3280 from Richmond Hill or 905 832 4554 ext. 3280 From Vaughan.

How can I obtain a copy of my test images?

Test results will typically be sent to your referring physician within five (5) business days. Registrants of MyChart, can access the text portion of their Interventional Radiology report under the Test Results section on MyChart.

Images of your Interventional Radiology test are available upon request by calling 905-883-1212 ext. 2200 from Richmond Hill or 905-883-1212 ext. 2200 from Vaughan and will be provided on a CD for $10. Health Information Services will advise when your CD and report can be picked up from Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, B-wing, Level 1, Room 1926. Health Information Services is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you would like to pick up a CD on behalf of another person, please bring an authorizing letter, signed by the person.