iKNOW Health

Healthcare Basics for Albertans

Have you ever had a problem using the healthcare system? Maybe you’ve had trouble finding a family doctor or didn’t know where to go if you needed to set up homecare for a family member or friend.

We wanted to know what matters most to the people of Alberta. So we asked Albertans, like you, what you wanted to know about our healthcare system. You told us you wanted to learn more about healthcare basics – the government and non-government organizations and the services and information that’s there for you.

Healthcare Basics for Albertans was co-designed by Albertans. It covers:

information and where to find it
healthcare services in Alberta
the partners that make up Alberta’s healthcare system

Information and where to find it

Healthcare partners and services offer information that you might find helpful. Health information includes health advice and where to find health services.

If you have an emergency and need help right away, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care centre.

If you’re not sure what to do or need advice, call 811 day or night to speak to a registered nurse. You can also go to MyHealth.Alberta.ca to find information on many health topics.

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Services

Alberta Health Services (funded by Alberta Health) offers many health services that are paid for by the Government of Alberta. Alberta Health also funds other public services, including most visits to your doctor and medical tests.

You have to pay for some healthcare services that the provincial government doesn’t pay for, such as visits to your dentist or physiotherapist and sick notes or forms filled out by your doctor.

Some people have private insurance plans through their work. You can also buy your own private insurance to cover all or part of the cost of private services.

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Partners

Healthcare partners include:

doctors
nurses
pharmacists
physiotherapists
dentists
health researchers at universities
non-profit organizations that raise money or offer services for people with different kinds of health issues

Some partners are linked to the provincial government and some aren’t.

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partners of the healthcare system in Alberta

Current as of: March 2, 2021

Author: Co-designed with Albertans, for Albertans

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iKNOW Health feedback

iKNOW Health was created by Albertans, for Albertans. Do you have feedback or suggestions for new topics? Your opinion matters to us. Email us at feedback@myhealth.alberta.ca.

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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