Uninsured services are an essential part of medical practice in Alberta. These are services not payable under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), tasks such as completing medical-legal reports, insurance forms, sick notes, driver’s medicals and transferring medical records. These services require time, expertise and resources – and it’s important that physicians are compensated fairly for them.
What’s new in 2025?
For many years, the Alberta Medical Association has been producing this practical resource to support members’ consistent and ethical billing. AMA members have asked whether the guide would be updated, and we’re pleased to confirm that the new edition is now available on the AMA website (member login required).
This update includes:
- revised suggested rates
- practical billing guidance
- updated references such as ministry names
Access is restricted to members as making it public could lead patients to assume these are fixed fees, which is not the case. While the AMA assists with establishing fee guidelines, we do not set all the fees listed. Most rates in the guide are suggested-only rates, and we recognize these may vary by clinic or physician. Where noted, there are also some government-legislated and agreed-upon rates that cannot be adjusted. This flexibility respects the diversity of practice models while promoting consistency and fairness.
Valuing physicians’ time and expertise
Billing appropriately for uninsured services is more than a financial consideration – it’s about valuing your time and expertise. Consistent billing helps maintain fairness across the profession and reinforces the value of these services. When fees are overlooked, it may create inconsistencies that affect perceptions of their importance.
Additional resources
Along with the updated guide, the AMA has also refreshed two key companion resources, which are publicly accessible:
- Transfer of, and Access to, Medical Records pull-out guide
One of the most frequently referenced parts of the Uninsured Services Guide, this provides quick access to information about regulated fees under the Health Information Act and practical tips for handling patient requests for records. - Patient-facing poster
Designed for clinic waiting rooms, this poster helps patients understand what uninsured services are and why fees apply. It encourages patients to speak with their physician about costs before services are provided, reducing confusion and supporting transparency.
Feedback welcome
We value your input. Physicians with questions about uninsured services can contact the AMA’s Physician Compensation & Economics team at [email protected].
Patients are encouraged to speak with their physician about any questions or concerns regarding uninsured services and associated fees.