Update on BMD (Bone Density) Scans in Ontario
Posted: May 2026
If your Bone Mineral Density (BMD) scan was recently cancelled or postponed, please read this update before calling our office — it answers the most common questions we are receiving.
What happened
On April 1, 2026, the Ontario Ministry of Health updated the billing rules for BMD scans. The changes were intended to modernize the rules to reflect current clinical guidelines, but they unintentionally led to some patients having their scans cancelled or rejected.
What has been fixed
On April 29, 2026, the Ministry of Health issued an official clarification confirming that medically necessary BMD scans remain covered by OHIP. Importantly:
The clarification applies retroactively to April 1, 2026.
Previously rejected or cancelled scans can be rebooked and resubmitted.
Physicians can continue to order BMD scans based on clinical judgment, including more frequently than every three years where medically appropriate.
What you should do
If your BMD scan was cancelled in the past month: Contact your imaging facility to ask about rebooking and mention the Ministry of Health Letter enclosed below. You can also call our office if you need assistance.
Bring the Ministry of Health letter to your appointment
To help with rebooking, you can download and print the official letter from the Ministry of Health below. Many BMD clinics will accept this document as confirmation that your scan is eligible:
A note from our team
We have received a high volume of calls regarding this issue. Reviewing this notice before calling will help us respond to every patient more quickly. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through these changes with you.
This notice is based on the April 29, 2026 communication from the Ontario Ministry of Health and the April 30, 2026 update from Osteoporosis Canada.
