medical-imaging-clinic-xray-edmonton

Patient Choice and Self-Referral for Preventative Health Testing in Alberta

What MIC Patients Need to Know About the Program

On July 27, 2026, the Government of Alberta announced the new Preventative Health Testing (PHT) Program intended to give individuals direct access to certain diagnostic imaging exams without a referral from a healthcare practitioner.

Based on the information released, the PHT program will include X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI exams, with patients paying privately at the time of service.

Albertans may be eligible for reimbursement through the government if the PHT results in a new cancer diagnosis, provided they meet outlined criteria.

These changes are expected to support earlier cancer detection and improve overall health outcomes.

We understand many patients have questions about what this announcement means for booking appointments, referral requirements, costs, reimbursement, and follow-up care.

MIC Medical Imaging is actively reviewing the provincial guidance and implementation requirements so that any future changes are introduced safely, responsibly, and with clear communication for patients and healthcare providers.

MIC’s Current Position

  • MIC is not offering preventative health testing without a requisition at this time.
  • Our referral requirements have not changed. A requisition from a healthcare practitioner is still required for diagnostic imaging appointments.
  • MIC will continue to offer certain patient-pay services including CT, MRI, PET CT, etc., when accompanied by a practitioner’s requisition. Visit our services page for a clear breakdown of patient-pay vs insured services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

What Patients Can Expect Right Now

For now, it remains business as usual at MIC. If you need diagnostic imaging, please speak with your physician, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare practitioner. If imaging is appropriate, they will provide a requisition, which allows us to schedule the exam and ensure clinical information and patient history are available for our radiologists.

What Patients Can Expect in the Future

We appreciate your patience as the provincial program develops. MIC’s radiology partnership and leadership are actively reviewing the provincial guidance and implementation requirements. Our priority remains providing safe, timely, high-quality diagnostic imaging while ensuring any new processes are supported by appropriate clinical oversight, patient education, and follow-up care.

How to Book an Imaging Appointment

If you require a screening or diagnostic imaging exam today:

  1. Speak with your healthcare practitioner about your symptoms, family history, screening goals, or health concerns.
  2. If imaging is appropriate, your practitioner will provide a requisition.
  3. You can either manage your appointment at MIC online through Patient Connection or call our team to schedule your exam. Learn more about both booking pathways.

**We will update this page as more information becomes available and if MIC’s booking processes change.**

Preventative Health Testing FAQs

No. MIC continues to require a requisition from a physician or healthcare practitioner for diagnostic imaging appointments, with the exception of eligible self-referral screening mammograms through the Screening for Life provincial initiative.
No. MIC will not be offering preventative health testing without a requisition on July 31. We are reviewing the government announcement, implementation requirements, clinical workflows, staffing considerations, reporting processes, and follow-up pathways before determining how MIC can best deliver PHT services to patients safely and responsibly.
Based on information released by the Government of Alberta, the program includes certain X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI exams. Exam availability at individual providers may vary, and MIC has not yet introduced preventative health testing services.
Patients are expected to pay privately for preventative health testing up front, at the time of service. Alberta residents may be eligible for reimbursement up to an established publicly funded rate if the test leads to a new, previously undiagnosed cancer and program requirements are met. Non-Alberta residents are not eligible for reimbursement.
Based on current provincial information, reimbursement is tied to tests that lead to a new cancer diagnosis. Other significant findings may still require follow-up care, but they may not qualify for reimbursement under the current program conditions.
This is one of the key operational details still requiring clarification. MIC’s approach will prioritize patient safety, timely communication, appropriate reporting, and integration with Alberta’s healthcare system, including clear pathways for patients who may not have a primary care provider.