Alberta strengthens local primary care

Starting Friday, Albertans can self-refer and pay out of pocket for diagnostic screening tests, including ultrasounds, X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, without a doctor's referral. Officials say those who pay can be reimbursed starting Saturday if the results lead to a cancer diagnosis, while referrals from health-care practitioners will still be prioritized…

Starting Friday, Alberta residents can self-refer and pay out of pocket for diagnostic screening tests such as ultrasounds, X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans without a doctor's referral. The government says this will allow faster cancer diagnoses for those who pay, while prioritizing referrals from health-care practitioners and ensuring existing access is…

The article reports that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government has moved away from the 2023 Public Health Care Guarantee by implementing measures that allow out-of-pocket charges for COVID-19 vaccinations, private billing, and a two-tier/private health-care system. It also notes subsequent laws and regulatory changes expanding private health care,…

Starting Friday, Albertans can privately pay for a range of diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray) with reimbursement only available if the test reveals a new cancer diagnosis. Private clinics will set their own prices, and the government will reimburse at prescribed rates for cancer-diagnosis tests, while physician referrals remain the primary…

The Alberta government announced a plan to reimburse preventative cancer screening costs starting July 31, allowing Albertans to purchase diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, x-ray, ultrasound) at private providers without a physician referral, with reimbursement at publicly funded rates if a new cancer is diagnosed. The program will run for at least one year to…

The article reports that Alberta’s Health Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 11) could allow a dual-practice model where physicians provide both publicly insured and privately paid services, potentially expanding private health care. It notes Ottawa’s reluctance to weigh in amid concerns about Canada Health Act compliance and Alberta separatism, with Alberta…

The Alberta government is creating seven regional Primary Care Corporations, including the Northeast Primary Care Corridor Health Corporation for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, to oversee planning, funding coordination, reporting, and administrative functions for primary care. The new body aims to improve access and coordination, share…

Starting Friday, Alberta residents can pay out of pocket for diagnostic tests (MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, CT) without a doctor’s referral, with providers setting the fees. The government says patients who pay can be reimbursed starting Saturday if the results lead to a cancer diagnosis, and referrals from health-care practitioners remain available with…