Clinics, technicians unsure of Alberta’s new self-referral method for health tests

HEALTH Clinics, technicians unsure of Alberta’s new self-referral method for health tests By Dayne Patterson The Canadian Press Posted August 6, 2026 3:51 pm 5 min read WATCH from July 17: Albertans will soon be able to access certain diagnostic screening tests without a doctor's referral, but they will need to pay out of pocket. The move was announced by the province on Monday after legislation was passed this spring, but critics say it will only benefit those who can afford to pay. Adam MacVicar reports – Jul 27, 2026 LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Some Alberta medical clinics are taking a wait-and-see approach to the province’s new program that lets patients bypass their doctor and privately book diagnostic imaging tests. And those who run the machines are skeptical the province’s plan will work at all. “The fact is we do not have enough (medical radiation technologists) in Alberta to support the number of diagnostic imaging exams that are being asked of us right now,” says Gina McRae, the Alberta provincial manager for the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. Premier Danielle Smith’s government has changed the rules to allow patients to book their own tests and pay up front rather than needing a doctor’s referral. The program started last Friday. If the testing leads to a previously undiagnosed cancer finding, the patient can get reimbursed by the province. A patient wouldn’t qualify if the test is negative, finds a previously known cancer or another ailment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT The clinic can still decline a test if it finds it unnecessary or unsafe. Some clinics are turning those bookings away because they’re still working out how the new policy actually works. The province says the program will give private operators an incentive to invest in the imaging machines and reduce testing wait times for all. McRae says technicians in Alberta were already at their limits before the program. “We’re very curious about how we’re going to be able to meet the new demands as more and more people are able to self-refer.” A survey released by her organization last year suggested Alberta was short about 202 full-time equivalent jobs, and that number is expected to double by 2028. There’s also the chance that people with no history of cancer book appointments for tests…