What Radiology Associates 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.
Radiology Associates 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.
Radiology Associates’ Current Position
- Radiology Associates 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.
- The lone exception at this time is eligible self-referral screening mammography through the existing provincial screening program.
- Radiology Associates will continue to offer certain patient-pay services for MRIs when accompanied by a practitioner’s requisition.
What Patients Can Expect Right Now
For now, it remains business as usual at Radiology Associates. 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
Radiology Associates leadership will continue to actively review the provincial guidance and implementation requirements. Our priority is to continue to provide safe, timely, high-quality diagnostic imaging while ensuring any future changes are supported by appropriate clinical oversight, patient education, and follow-up care. We appreciate your patience as the provincial program develops.