Does Alberta have the capacity for self-referred testing?

EDMONTON – Alberta’s new testing regime that allows individuals to pay out of pocket for diagnostic scans came into effect last Friday, with the province saying it will alleviate wait times and expedite diagnoses. However, medical staff are bracing for an influx of tests that they say could leave them overwhelmed and patients waiting even longer.

The testing changes allow Albertans to self-refer and then pay for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and X-ray scans, potentially receiving reimbursement for the cost if the results lead to clinical cancer diagnosis.

The change was first announced in a social media video back in October, was put into legislation last spring, and came into effect last week following an order in council. Individuals are eligible if they are 18 years of age or older, or under 18 years of age with consent from a parent or guardian.

In a statement, the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT), which represents nearly 3,000 medical radiation technologists (MRT), said it recognizes the need for timely care but that it has to be balanced with system sustainability and workforce realities.

“Medical imaging is a finite healthcare resource. Across Alberta, MRTs are already working in an environment marked by workforce shortages, increasing imaging volumes and growing wait lists,” reads CAMRT’s statement.

MRTs are responsible for administering medical scans, including the operation of X-ray, CT and MRI scanners.

In a news release, CAMRT’s CEO Kelly Masotti called on the government to do more to address existing staff shortages.

“Without parallel investment in education, clinical training, recruitment, retention and long-term health human resource planning, this policy risks worsening existing shortages and increasing wait times for all Albertans.”

The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA), which represents 30,000 health professionals across the province, echoed many of those thoughts. In a statement, union president Leanne Alfaro (pictured) asked for more transparency from the government and asserted that private diagnostic imaging has been available for decades but has not alleviated wait times.

“HSAA is calling for a province-wide, worker-led health workforce strategy with our members at the table, advising on retention and recruitment efforts, so that every Albertan has access to timely care regardless of their ability to pay,” she wrote.

“The government should also publicly report on whether expanding privately paid services affects recruitment and retention, workforce capacity and access to publicly funded care.”

Earlier this week, premier Danielle Smith said she expects the changes to reduce strain on the health system.

“An individual will have a pretty good idea whether something’s not quite right with them, and in some cases, they’ll be able to work with their practitioner to get the test that they need.”

In a statement Friday, the office of Primary and Preventative Health Services minister Justin Wright said around 10,000 privately paid tests are currently conducted each year, and the system could accommodate up to four times that volume.

“Alberta continues to make record investments in recruiting, training and retaining health professionals across the province,” it reads.

“We are adding record numbers of providers and modernizing the health system through new compensation models, team-based care, expanded scopes of practice and streamlined licensing for internationally educated health professionals.”

Source: Edmonton Journal