How to find a private doctor or clinic?
Finding a private doctor or clinic in Calgary can seem like a daunting task, especially for newcomers or those new to private healthcare. Although Canada has a public healthcare system, private healthcare services play an important role in providing additional care, reducing wait times, and offering specialized services. In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to find a suitable private doctor or clinic in Calgary, what to consider when choosing one, and what services are available.
Overview of private healthcare in Calgary
The role of private clinics in the healthcare system
Private medical clinics in Calgary complement the public healthcare system by providing services that are not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) or by offering faster access to certain types of treatment. These clinics specialize in preventive medicine, comprehensive medical checkups, aesthetic procedures, and corporate medical services.
Legal aspects of private medicine
It is important to understand that private clinics in Calgary must comply with federal and provincial health care laws. In 2023, several clinics in Calgary came under investigation for attempting to charge membership fees for faster access to doctors. Health Canada has clearly stated that charging for preferential access to insured services violates health care laws.
Types of private medical facilities in Calgary
Comprehensive private clinics
INLIV Calgary is one of the city's leading private medical centers, offering a wide range of services. Located at 1111 Olympic Way SE, the clinic provides:
- Comprehensive medical exams
- Preventive medicine
- Corporate medical services
- Aesthetic procedures
- Fitness and wellness programs
Preventous Collaborative Health is another leading private clinic located at 1635 17 Ave SW. It specializes in:
- 24/7 access to doctors
- Comprehensive medical exams
- Preventive medicine
- Healthy lifestyle programs
Specialized surgical centers
Canadian Surgery Solutions has been providing private surgical services in Calgary since 2009. The center is located at #300A – 1402 8th Ave. NW and offers:
- Elective surgical procedures
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Faster recovery times
- Accreditation by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta
Telemedicine platforms
Maple and other online platforms provide virtual consultations with Canadian doctors 24/7. These services are especially useful for:
- Quick consultations
- Prescription refills
- Obtaining medical certificates
- Non-emergency medical questions
Ways to find a private doctor or clinic
Online search and directories
- Alberta Find a Doctor - the official tool for finding doctors in the province
- FamilyDoctorCalgary.com - a specialized resource for finding family doctors in Calgary
- Online directories of private clinics - such as ratings of the best private clinics in Calgary
Recommendations and reviews
The most effective ways to get recommendations:
- Advice from friends and relatives
- Patient reviews on specialized platforms
- Consultations with your family doctor
- Recommendations from other healthcare professionals
Consultations with insurance companies
If you have private health insurance, contact your insurance company for a list of private clinics and doctors in Calgary that are covered.
Cost of private medical services
Typical prices for private services in Calgary
According to 2025 research, the cost of private medical services in Calgary is:
| Type of service | Price range |
|---|---|
| Consultation | $150–$300 per session |
| Annual health care plan | $2,900–$5,500 |
| Comprehensive medical examination | $500–$1,600 |
| Fitness and physical therapy | $70–$165 per session |
| Nutrition consultation | $80–$160 per session |
| Psychological counseling | $150–$400 per session |
Membership programs
Some private clinics offer annual membership programs:
Preventous Twenty-Four Seven Club:
- Adults: $5,670 + GST per year
- Young adults (19–22 years old): $1,500 + GST
- Children (0–18 years old): $500 + GST
TELUS Health Care Centres also offers LifePlus programs at a cost of $4,650 for the first year.
Services provided by private clinics
Preventive medicine
Private clinics in Calgary specialize in preventive medicine, including:
- Comprehensive medical checkups
- Early disease detection
- Personalized health plans
- Regular health monitoring
Specialized services
Aesthetic procedures:
- Laser hair removal
- Chemical peels
- Botox and fillers
- Double chin treatment
Corporate services:
- Employee medical exams
- Workplace wellness programs
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Vaccinations
Diagnostic services
Private clinics offer a wide range of diagnostic services:
- Laboratory tests
- ECG and other cardiological examinations
- Imaging and scanning
- Genetic testing
How to choose the right private clinic
Evaluation criteria
When choosing a private clinic, consider the following factors:
- Qualifications of doctors - check their education, experience, and certifications
- Clinic accreditation - make sure the clinic has the necessary licenses
- Range of services - do the services meet your needs
- Patient reviews - read about other patients' experiences
- Location and convenience - consider accessibility and opening hours
Questions to ask
During your initial consultation with a private clinic, ask:
- What services are included in the basic fee?
- What additional costs may arise?
- Are the services covered by your insurance?
- What is the experience of the doctors in your specific field?
- How quickly can you get an appointment?
Recommended private clinics in Calgary
Top 5 private clinics according to experts
1. Preventous Collaborative Health
- Address: 1635 17 Ave SW, Calgary
- Phone: (403) 229-0129
- Specialization: Comprehensive preventive medicine
- Features: 24/7 access to doctors, personalized health programs
2. INLIV Calgary
- Address: 1111 Olympic Way SE, Suite 217
- Specialization: Corporate and personal medical services
- Features: Multidisciplinary approach, aesthetic procedures
3. Canadian Surgery Solutions
- Address: #300A – 1402 8th Ave. NW
- Phone: (403) 220-0410
- Specialization: Private surgery
- Features: CPSA accreditation, modern equipment
4. TELUS Health Care Centre
- Address: 685 Centre St S, Level 4
- Phone: (403) 270-2273
- Specialization: Corporate and personal medicine
- Features: Wide range of services, experienced team
5. Resolve Medicine
- Address: Suite #120, 2850 Sunridge Boulevard N.E.
- Specialization: Internal medicine
- Features: Treatment of complex medical cases, continuum of care
Tips for a successful search
Preparing for the consultation
- Gather your medical history - prepare all previous medical records
- Make a list of questions - write down all your concerns and questions
- Research insurance coverage - find out what services are covered
- Set a budget - determine how much you are willing to spend
Red flags
Be wary of clinics that:
- Require significant upfront payments without clear terms
- Promise preferential access to insured services for an additional fee
- Do not have proper licenses or accreditations
- Have many negative patient reviews
Alternatives to private clinics
Walk-in clinics
There are several walk-in clinics in Calgary that offer faster access to medical care without an appointment:
- Now Medical Clinic & Walk in
- International Avenue Medical Centre
- Medicare Walk-in Clinic Country Hills
Telemedicine
Virtual consultations are becoming increasingly popular, especially for non-emergency cases:
- Maple - 24/7 access to Canadian doctors
- Your Doctors Online - instant consultations
- Other telemedicine platforms
The future of private medicine in Calgary
Development trends
Private healthcare in Calgary continues to evolve in the following directions:
- Integration of telemedicine and in-person consultations
- Expansion of preventive programs
- Introduction of artificial intelligence in diagnostics
- Personalized medicine based on genetic testing
Challenges and opportunities
The main challenges remain:
- Compliance with federal health care laws
- Ensuring accessibility for all segments of the population
- Integration with the public health care system
Conclusion
Finding a private doctor or clinic in Calgary requires careful research and planning. It is important to consider your specific medical needs, budget, and personal preferences when choosing a medical facility. Private clinics in Calgary offer a wide range of services, from preventive medicine to specialized surgical procedures, providing high-quality care and a personalized approach to each patient.
When choosing a private clinic, the most important thing is to make sure it is legal, accredited, and meets your medical needs. Use recommendations, read reviews from other patients, and don't hesitate to ask questions during consultations. Choosing the right private medical facility can significantly improve the quality of your medical care and overall health.