EDMONTON — Albertans will soon be able to pay for diagnostic screening without a referral as the province introduces a new preventative testing program aimed at providing more options for early cancer detection.
Beginning July 31, participating private providers will be able to offer MRIs, CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds directly to individuals without a referral from a doctor.
Patients will initially pay for the testing themselves. If screening identifies a new, previously unknown cancer diagnosis, they will be eligible to seek reimbursement at publicly funded rates.
The province says patients will have one year after receiving a cancer diagnosis to submit a reimbursement claim.
Premier Danielle Smith says the program is intended to give Albertans more options for preventative screening while maintaining publicly funded access to medically necessary care.
“Better health care starts with prevention,” Smith said. “We’re giving Albertans access to earlier screening and detection while keeping our promise that publicly funded health care will always be there when they need it.”
The province says physician and nurse practitioner-referred medically necessary diagnostic testing will remain publicly funded, with patients prioritized based on clinical need in both public and private facilities.
Alberta says it is the first province in Canada to introduce expanded access to preventative testing of this kind, as well as reimbursement when screening leads to a cancer diagnosis.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Alberta, with the province saying one in two Albertans will develop cancer during their lifetime.
If testing detects or raises suspicion of cancer, patients will be referred to appropriate health-care providers for followup and ongoing care, including Cancer Care Alberta where applicable.
Justin Wright, minister of primary and preventative health services, says expanded testing is intended to help people detect cancer earlier and make informed decisions about their health.
“Every Albertan deserves the best possible chance at a healthy future,” Wright said. “Expanding access to preventative testing is one more way we are helping people detect cancer earlier, access care sooner and make informed decisions about their health.”
Results from preventative testing will be connected to patients’ electronic health records, allowing health-care providers to access the information and helping reduce duplication of diagnostic tests.
The province says participating clinics will begin introducing the services gradually following the July 31 launch.
Alberta is also investing $5.5 million in cancer screening and $280 million in diagnostic imaging and cancer care upgrades. Another $223 million over three years is being directed toward oncologists, surgeries, facility renovations and supportive care, while $2.25 million is going toward a new oncofertility program.
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