Alberta is planning legislative changes that would let people pay out of pocket for diagnostic and preventive tests, such as MRIs, CT scans and full-body scans — without a doctor’s order.
Some private testing is already available in Alberta. However, the government says options are currently limited, and adds if a privately purchased test reveals a significant or critical condition, then the out-of-pocket cost would be reimbursed, “ensuring no Albertan pays for a medically necessary test.”
The government argues the move will increase availability and ease pressure on public resources, while improving early detection and health outcomes.
Adriana LaGrange, Alberta’s minister of primary and preventative health services, framed the plan as a modernization push.
“We want to see a flood of investment and health professionals into Alberta to strengthen our preventative health-care system for Albertans right across the province,” LaGrange said in a government video .
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