In Russia, starting from September 1, 2026, the procedure for conducting X-ray examinations, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), will be simplified. Patients can receive medical services without a doctor's referral. This is stated in the order of the Russian Ministry of Health, published on the official portal of legal acts.
The changes also apply to fluorography, mammography, computed tomography (CT), and osteodensitometry. The new procedure will be valid until 2032. Other X-ray examinations will be performed by referral, appointment sheet entry, or based on data from the patient's medical record extract.
MRI was included in the Program of State Guarantees of Free Medical Care in 2013. This diagnostic method is part of the basic list of the compulsory medical insurance policy.
It is used in studies of diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and musculoskeletal system. MRI allows obtaining detailed images of internal organs and making an accurate diagnosis.