Starting Friday, Alberta allows self-referral for private diagnostic imaging—but barriers loom for newcomers
MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds will be available without a doctor's referral to those who can pay $100 to $1,200. Researchers warn the shift may disadvantage immigrants and refugees.
Sources · local media reports
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Starting Friday, July 31, Albertans will be able to pay out-of-pocket for preventative diagnostic tests like MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds without a doctor's referral—a move Premier Danielle Smith framed as giving patients "peace of mind."
But health experts worry the system will create barriers for those least equipped to navigate it. Prices for the tests range from a couple hundred dollars for an X-ray to $800–$1,200 for an MRI—amounts that require real deliberation for many households.
Dr. Fiona Clement said she struggles to understand how patients will decide whether to self-refer. "I think patients will struggle a little bit too to understand," she said. "Is this a good option for me? Why would I do that? Either I don't want to talk to my doctor, I don't have a doctor, or my doctor doesn't think this is a good idea. I think it's going to be hard to navigate."
Stephanie Montesanti, Canada Research Chair in Health System Integration at the University of Alberta, cautioned that while self-referrals could give some Albertans more autonomy, those who need more help navigating the health care system—such as immigrants and refugees—might not have the same access.
"For those individuals in particular, having that consultation, advice, medical guidance from a primary care provider is of utmost importance," Montesanti said. "I think it's offering more choice, and that's the rhetoric behind this decision. But it is creating barriers … income being one of the biggest."
Andrew Longhurst, a senior researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, warned that newcomers could end up in precarious positions. "There's an inherent power imbalance between health care providers demanding that newcomers pay out-of-pocket, and those individuals and families who have very little to begin with," he said.
The province says patients who pay out-of-pocket could recover some of that money if test results lead to a new cancer diagnosis. Beginning in September, doctors will also have the option to bill patients privately for some medically necessary, publicly insured services. In October, the province will hold a referendum on whether to charge a fee or limit access to social services, including health care, for temporary residents.
How many Albertans are expected to use this private-pay option and what are projected wait time reductions?
Will private test results be integrated into public health records and how will this affect future medical decisions?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When does Alberta allow self-referral for private diagnostic imaging?
Starting July 31, 2026, Albertans can pay out-of-pocket for preventative diagnostic tests like MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds without a doctor's referral.
How much do private diagnostic tests cost in Alberta?
Prices range from a couple hundred dollars for an X-ray to $800–$1,200 for an MRI.
What concern do researchers raise about Alberta's self-referral policy?
Researchers warn that immigrants and refugees may face barriers navigating the system without medical guidance, and that income is a significant obstacle to accessing these tests.
