Alberta to begin allowing out-of-pocket payments for medical testing as of Friday

Beginning Friday, Albertans will be able to pay out-of-pocket to bypass medical referral for diagnostic screening tests like an MRI or an ultrasound.

The announcement by Premier Danielle Smith follows up on legislation passed by her United Conservative government this spring.

Patients will pay for the tests when they receive them and potentially be reimbursed if the results lead to a cancer diagnosis.

Providers can still decide whether to offer the service and will also have the power to decide whether to modify the test.