Alberta will permit residents to privately buy diagnostic services including MRIs, CT scans and blood work. The new healthcare reforms aim to reduce wait times across the province.

New diagnostic options expand choice

The changes will allow Albertans to purchase preventative screening and elective testing services. The province will maintain full public coverage for all physician-recommended tests, according to a Government of Alberta news release.

Premier Danielle Smith said the reforms will give people more control over their healthcare and reduce pressure on the public system.

“Albertans deserve timely answers about their health,” Smith said. “By expanding access to preventative and elective testing, we’re empowering people to take control of their care and reducing wait times across the system.”

The government will reimburse out-of-pocket costs if privately purchased tests reveal significant or critical conditions. This ensures no one pays for medically necessary diagnostics.

Health professionals and medical organizations will be able to offer diagnostic services privately. Supplemental health benefits plans will be enabled to cover them.

Wait times grow despite more testing

Current wait times have grown substantially despite increased testing volumes. CT scan waitlists grew 44.2 per cent from 2023-24 to 2024-25. The number of scans rose 8.3 per cent during the same period.

Edmonton recorded the longest CT wait at 368 days. The South Zone had 123-day waits.

MRI waitlists increased 40.7 per cent over the same period. Scan volumes rose 5.2 per cent. Calgary had the longest MRI wait at 426 days.

The government says expanded access will attract new investment in diagnostic technology and facilities. This will increase overall capacity.

Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services Adriana LaGrange said the changes represent a new era of preventative healthcare in the province.

“By giving Albertans more choice to access elective testing, screening and other diagnostic services, we are ushering in an innovative, new era of preventative healthcare in the province,” LaGrange said.

Early detection saves lives

Early detection significantly improves survival rates for major diseases. Lung cancer caught early has a survival rate of more than 60 per cent. When detected late, the rate drops to 24 per cent.

Stomach cancer survival rates reach 70 per cent with early detection. Late detection drops survival to 32 per cent.

Breast cancer now has survival rates exceeding 93 per cent when caught early.

Kelly McClung leads the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories. She said early detection helps people begin treatments and lifestyle supports that improve quality of life even when no cure exists.

“It also gives individuals and families time to talk openly about wishes and future plans while the person living with dementia can fully participate,” McClung said.

International examples guide approach

The government noted that countries with strong public health systems have established private preventative clinics. Germany, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland handle increased demand for these services through private options.

Next steps and guarantees

Alberta will conduct stakeholder engagement on the proposed changes. This work will inform what legislative and policy adjustments may be needed. The government will release further details in coming months.

All physician-recommended tests will continue to receive full coverage. Both public and private facilities will prioritize these tests under Alberta’s Public Health Guarantee.