Albertans may soon have the option to pay for private diagnostic testing without needing a doctor’s referral. If Bill 29 is approved, individuals in Alberta will be able to self-refer to private clinics later this year. Adriana LaGrange, the Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, emphasized that this move aims to alleviate pressure on the public healthcare system and enable early detection of medical conditions.
During a news conference on Monday, LaGrange highlighted that empowering Albertans to take control of their health while upholding the strength of the public healthcare system is a key objective. She stressed the importance of early detection in saving lives and reducing strain on the healthcare system. Specific details regarding the criteria and covered tests will be disclosed later this year.
The initiative to allow self-referral to private diagnostic and screening tests, such as MRIs and CT scans, was outlined in Premier Danielle Smith’s 2025 mandate letter to LaGrange and previously mentioned in a government video last year. LaGrange mentioned that the legislation would permit “lifestyle testing,” like bloodwork to assess vitamin or hormone levels, inspired by practices in countries such as Japan and South Korea.
While concerns have been raised about potential inequity and the emergence of a two-tiered healthcare system by critics like Sharif Haji from the NDP, LaGrange emphasized that the goal is to enhance system capacity rather than diminish it. Dr. Brian Wirzba, President of the Alberta Medical Association, expressed apprehension about the increased risk of false positives and incidental findings that could lead to additional burdens on the healthcare system.
Tom McIntosh, a political science professor at the University of Regina specializing in health policy, highlighted the significance of defining which tests will be permitted, as it could have substantial implications. He noted the growing demand for unnecessary tests, potentially diverting resources from medically necessary referrals.
Regarding payment for private tests, LaGrange mentioned that the government would be the “payer of last resort,” with private insurers being billed first for those covered. Access to addiction treatment is also addressed in the bill, aiming to improve availability in rural and Indigenous communities by allowing healthcare prescribers to maintain a limited supply of addiction treatment medications on-site. The legislation includes minor technical amendments that conclude the final phase of the province’s healthcare restructuring.
