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Albertans will soon have more options to detect serious illnesses earlier after the provincial government announced expanded access to preventative diagnostic screening.

Beginning July 31, residents will be able to purchase certain diagnostic imaging tests—including MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds—without first obtaining a referral from a physician, provided the services are offered through participating private clinics.

The Alberta government says the initiative is designed to give people greater control over their health while improving opportunities for early cancer detection.

Importantly, the province emphasized that the new program is intended to complement—not replace—the publicly funded health-care system. Medically necessary diagnostic imaging ordered by physicians or nurse practitioners will continue to be publicly funded and prioritized according to clinical need.

Under the new policy, patients who independently choose preventative screening and subsequently receive a new cancer diagnosis may apply for reimbursement of the cost of their screening test at the publicly funded rate. Claims can be submitted for up to one year following the diagnosis.

Premier Danielle Smith described prevention as a key component of improving health outcomes.

"Better health care starts with prevention," Smith said, noting Alberta is the first province in Canada to introduce expanded access to preventative testing alongside reimbursement for patients whose screenings lead to a cancer diagnosis.

According to the province, cancer remains the leading cause of death in Alberta, with approximately one in two Albertans expected to develop the disease during their lifetime. Health officials believe earlier detection can improve treatment outcomes by identifying cancers before symptoms become severe.

Patients whose preventative screenings identify or suggest cancer will be referred to Cancer Care Alberta for follow-up testing, diagnosis and treatment through the public health system.

The government also noted that test results from participating clinics will be integrated into Alberta's electronic health record system, allowing patients and their health-care providers to access the same information while reducing unnecessary duplicate testing.

Officials say the initiative may also encourage further investment in diagnostic equipment and clinic capacity across Alberta, helping expand access to screening services over time.

Alongside the new preventative testing program, Alberta continues to invest in cancer care, including funding for expanded diagnostic imaging, enhanced screening programs, a new oncofertility program and additional support for oncologists, cancer surgeries and facility upgrades.

The rollout of preventative screening services will begin on July 31, with participating clinics expected to introduce services gradually over the coming weeks.

(Source: Government of Alberta)