Albertans are set to have the option to privately pay for essential preventive diagnostic tests starting this Friday, without the need for a doctor’s referral. This initiative, which has raised concerns among medical professionals and health advocacy groups, has been in progress for several months. It enables Albertans to self-refer and cover the costs for MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays.
During a news conference in Calgary on Monday, Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the significance of early detection in achieving better health outcomes. Patients will be required to pay for the tests upfront, either through private insurance or out-of-pocket. The results will be directly provided to the patients and recorded in their electronic health records, as per the province’s guidelines.
In case a new cancer diagnosis stems from the test, patients can seek reimbursement within a year from the diagnosis date, based on publicly-funded rates. Suspected cancer cases will be referred to Cancer Care Alberta, with cancer being the leading cause of death in the province, according to official reports.
The implementation of the self-referral system was facilitated by Bill 29 (Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2026), which received royal assent in May. The Alberta government reassures that access to publicly funded diagnostic tests will not be compromised by this change, emphasizing that it complements rather than replaces the existing public healthcare system.
The paid testing option will be accessible to adults and minors under 18 with parental consent. Patients can self-refer to accredited private diagnostic facilities, where a regulated health professional will confirm eligibility and provide necessary information on risks. The Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, Justin Wright, assures that measures are in place to prioritize medically necessary and publicly funded tests.
Critics, including the Alberta NDP, argue that this move may exacerbate wait times and create a two-tier healthcare system. However, proponents believe it could enhance patient access and potentially lead to an increase in the number of private diagnostic tests performed in the province. Dr. Brian Wirzba, president of the Alberta Medical Association, expresses concerns about the potential impact on public healthcare backlogs and the need for increased community access to CT and MRI services.
Alberta now stands as the first province in Canada to introduce a self-referral system for diagnostic tests, allowing patients to self-refer, pay for services, and seek reimbursement. Dr. Robert Davies, president of Canada Diagnostic Centres, anticipates a surge in the number of private diagnostic tests performed annually in Alberta, emphasizing the manageable impact within the broader healthcare system.