Alberta is launching a new “dual practice” medical model this fall that will allow eligible surgeons to perform both publicly funded and private-pay procedures.
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The initiative, set to begin in September 2026, is aimed at reducing surgical wait times and retaining specialized physicians by giving them more flexibility in how they practice.
Eligible procedures under the framework include orthopedic surgeries, hip and knee replacements, cataract surgeries and select gynecological and plastic surgeries. The operations will be performed in accredited hospitals and chartered surgical facilities.
“Doing more of the same will not reduce Alberta’s surgical wait times,” Premier Danielle Smith said in a statement on June 18. “Dual practice is one of several reforms that will help expand surgical capacity, improve access to care and ensure Albertans can get the procedures they need sooner.”
Government officials stated that the model includes safeguards to protect the public system, including mandatory reporting, integrated electronic records for private services and a minimum requirement for public-service hours.
Adriana LaGrange, the minister of hospital and surgical health services, said the province will closely monitor the system to ensure public access is maintained. Emergency services, life-saving care and cancer treatments will remain exclusively within the publicly funded system.
Family physicians will not be eligible to participate in the program unless they hold subspecialties in anesthesia or surgical assistance.
An expression of interest process for interested physicians is scheduled to open June 22, followed by a formal application process later this summer.
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