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Pegasus Health

ACC MRI programme cuts wait times from months to days 

Last Updated: 19 March 2026

General Practitioners (GPs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Waitaha Canterbury can refer patients directly for ACC-funded MRI scans through the GP and NP Referral to MRI service, reducing wait times from months to days. 

The initiative removes the need for a specialist appointment before an MRI can be approved for knee, lumbar, and cervical spine injuries. Previously, patients often waited weeks or months to confirm imaging was required. With direct referral, the average time from referral to a completed scan and report is around five working days. 

“It makes a real difference for patients who are often waiting to understand what is wrong and what comes next,” Pegasus Health Primary Care Quality Manager, Sue Aitken, said. “Instead of waiting for a specialist appointment, trained GPs and NPs can make the referral directly. Patients get answers quickly and can start the right treatment or rehabilitation sooner.” 

General Practitioner Dr David Pilbrow said the change has had a clear impact in practice. 

“I really value this service because people used to sit around for months just waiting for an MRI of the knee. They were not working, and it was costing thousands,” he said. “But now you get the MRI result in about a week. You can start treatment faster, and it keeps patients flowing either back to work or into rehabilitation faster.” 

Dr Pilbrow encourages other clinicians to complete training to refer into the service. 

Clinicians complete a two-hour, hands-on training programme focused on assessing injuries and ensuring referrals meet ACC clinical criteria. 

Clinicians interested in referring patients directly can contact sue.aitken@pegasus.health to find out more or register for training