Alberta’s laboratory physicians support improved access to timely, clinically necessary diagnostic testing for all Albertans. Laboratory physicians are ready and willing to assist in developing and reviewing this strategy to ensure it is clinically sound, cost-effective and safe. We want to work with government in the planning process to avoid repeating past mistakes and to protect both the public purse and patient well-being.
However, Alberta’s laboratory physicians are seeing a significant increase in unnecessary and potentially frivolous testing—both in public and privately-funded settings—which is directly impacting patients who genuinely need diagnostic services. When lab resources, public or private, are diverted to unnecessary or non-evidence-based testing, it creates delays for patients awaiting critical diagnostics. These delays can affect diagnosis, treatment planning and overall outcomes, especially for those with serious or time-sensitive conditions.
In the clinical lab, we are seeing a growing number of complex and costly test diagnostic tests requested by health care practitioners of all stripes, many that aren’t necessary or medically appropriate. These practices not only undermine clinical integrity but also contribute to confusion and potential harm when results are misinterpreted by patients or require re-evaluation by qualified experts.
Alberta’s lab physicians believe in the principle of the right test for the right patient at the right time. This ensures that testing is clinically justified, timely and beneficial. We want to work with government to avoid repetition of previous attempts at laboratory privatization. Alberta’s laboratory physicians can help Albertans and their government take the necessary steps to avoid:
- Significant cost overruns.
- Backlogs in confirmatory and follow-up testing.
- Delays in care due to reinterpretation of questionable results.
- Increased patient confusion and potential harm.
We look forward to engaging with government in a meaningful way to help shape a diagnostic testing strategy that protects patients, ensures responsible use of public funds and strengthens Alberta’s health care system.