Shaped by the voices and perspectives of real Albertans, the report is designed to track system changes over time. The 2026 report builds on last year’s baseline report, offering a clearer picture of how the system is evolving.
From Monday through Thursday this week, we’ll share key insights from the report to help contextualize the current state of Alberta’s health system. Check back daily to explore the latest findings.
Family medicine is the front door to Alberta’s health system. Albertans rely on family physicians to coordinate specialist referrals, identify health concerns early and keep them out of hospital. When Albertans can access that care, their experiences are overwhelmingly positive.
While the proportion of Albertans without a family doctor has decreased modestly, access to family physicians remains a persistent challenge. Even those who have a doctor often struggle to get timely appointments, and Albertans in rural and smaller communities often report that no physicians are accepting patients where they live. Patients are increasingly turning to urgent care and emergency departments when they can’t wait any longer.
Access to a family doctor also shapes overall health care experiences. Those who can get an appointment when they need one report significantly higher satisfaction with the health system, underscoring the central role of family medicine in delivering high-quality, connected care.
Key insights
- Eight in 10 Albertans saw a family doctor in the past year.
- 81% of patients rate the quality of their last family doctor visit as very good or excellent.
- Albertans with good access to their family physician report higher satisfaction (72%) than those still looking (53%).
- 16% of Albertans currently do not have a family doctor (down from 18% in 2025).
- 7% are actively seeking a family physician but are unable to find one.
- Only 53% of patients with a family doctor say they can usually get an appointment when they need one.
- 78% of walk-in clinic users say they go because they can’t see their family doctor soon enough.
Read the news release and review the data.
About the State of Health Care 2026 Report
The State of Health Care 2026 Report is produced by the Alberta Medical Association in partnership with ThinkHQ Public Affairs. It provides an annual, evidence-based assessment of patient experiences, system performance and emerging challenges in Alberta’s health care system.
The 2026 report is based on an online survey of 1,100 adult Albertans conducted between May 12 and May 19, 2026, along with qualitative insights from the AMA’s PatientsFirst.ca community.
Full State of Health Care 2026 Report will be available on June 25, 2026.