Alberta allows self-referral for private health testing starting Friday to reduce wait times

Alberta is launching a new self-referral model for preventative health testing, allowing patients to pay privately for diagnostic scans without a physician referral in an effort to cut wait times — a move the government says will enable earlier disease detection but critics argue will benefit only those who can afford it.

The policy, taking effect Friday, July 31, permits individuals to self-refer for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and X-ray scans. The government says patients who pay out-of-pocket could be reimbursed if results lead to a clinical diagnosis of cancer — the sole disease covered under the reimbursement program.

Premier Danielle Smith said the policy is designed to complement the public system and expand patient choice. "Early diagnosis makes everything easier. Treatment is simpler and more effective, and it places fewer demands on the health care system," she said at a Calgary news conference Monday.

Private providers can choose whether to participate and set their own rates; the province said it cannot yet estimate how many will opt in. Albertans have one year from the test date to submit a reimbursement form, which the province aims to process within six to eight weeks. Residents from other provinces can access testing but are not eligible for cost compensation.

Opposition health critic Sharif Haji said the plan will leave lower-income Albertans waiting longer. "Albertans are already struggling with the affordability crisis, and many families simply can't afford to pay out of pocket for essential health care," he said. The Alberta Medical Association also voiced concern that the measure will further burden the public system rather than improve access. Physician-referred services will continue to be delivered first, with self-referred testing taking secondary priority.