The Alberta Medical Association is raising concerns over the province's plan to let patients bypass physicians for diagnostic medical testing. Dr. Brian Wirzba stated, 'We do not see a role for patients directing diagnostic testing without a physician involved.'
Primary Health Minister Adriana LaGrange introduced Bill 29, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, which would allow fast-tracking some medical tests without a referral. LaGrange emphasized this is about 'adding capacity, not replacing our public system.'
Premier Danielle Smith and LaGrange have indicated reforms will permit Albertans to purchase any private diagnostic screening, including MRIs, CT scans, full body scans, and bloodwork. If a privately purchased test identifies a life-threatening condition, the government will reimburse the cost.
However, the AMA warns of potential costs-up to $1 million more per year for taxpayers due to incidental findings leading to further testing. Without clinical history, abnormalities may require follow-up, potentially creating new backlogs.
There are also concerns about patients acting on misleading information. A Canadian Medical Association survey found 97% of doctors intervened after patients followed false health advice online, including from AI platforms like ChatGPT.
The ministry stated that patient safety remains a top priority, but details on specific tests and costs will be clarified in regulations to be developed in the coming months.