Frequently Asked Questions About Advanced Diagnostics for Canadians
This page answers the most common questions about how Kanata Health helps Canadians understand and access advanced diagnostic tests available through U.S. providers.
150 CAD virtual, available within 3-5 days
What does Kanata Health do?
Kanata Health helps Canadians access advanced diagnostic and preventive tests that are available in the United States but not readily accessible through Canada's public healthcare system. Through a physician-guided process, Dr. Sanei evaluates whether these tests make sense for your specific health situation, coordinates your testing at U.S.-based facilities, and reviews your results with you once they are available.
Who is this for?
Kanata Health is designed for Canadians who are frustrated by public healthcare waitlists, values their time, and has the financial means (or an Extended Health Insurance Plan/HSA) to invest in private diagnostics. They do not want to wait until they are sick to take action
Are these tests available in Canada?
The majority of the tests featured on this platform, including comprehensive genetic panels, advanced biomarker testing, and specialized diagnostics, are currently only available through U.S.-based laboratories with the equipment, regulatory clearance, and clinical protocols required to run them properly.
Why are these tests not available through the Canadian healthcare system?
Canada's public healthcare system adopts new medical technologies through a careful regulatory and funding process. Many advanced preventive diagnostics are developed and validated in the United States years before they are assessed, approved, or funded in Canada. This is not a flaw in the system. It simply reflects how healthcare innovation moves through different regulatory pipelines in different countries. The practical result is that Canadians who want access to these tools today often need to explore options outside the public system.
Do I need a consultation before accessing any tests?
A consultation is not strictly required if you have already decided on a specific test we offer. You may choose to proceed directly by paying for the test; we will then handle the arrangements and follow up to discuss your results. Please be aware that these diagnostic tests are non-refundable.
What exactly happens during my consultation?
Conducted virtually for patients across Canada, your consultation involves a comprehensive review of your medical and family history, current health status, and personal wellness objectives by Dr. Sanei. He will guide you through relevant diagnostic possibilities, address any specific test inquiries, and provide a candid evaluation of whether proceeding with testing is appropriate for you at this time. If testing is recommended, he will outline the subsequent steps to ensure you are fully informed before making a decision; if it is not advised, he will offer a clear rationale and suggest alternative considerations.
How much does the consultation cost, and is it covered by my health plan?
The consultation fee is $150 CAD. It is a private pay appointment and is not covered by MSP or other provincial health plans. If you choose to go ahead with any of the tests the 150CAD consultation fee will be waived
However, some BC extended health plans may reimburse virtual physician consultations, and it is worth checking your coverage before booking. Dr. Sanei provides an itemized receipt with standard CPT billing codes that you can submit to your insurer directly. We suggest that you contact your extended health provider before your appointment and ask whether a virtual specialist consultation is reimbursable under your plan.
Do I need a referral from my family doctor to book?
No referral is needed. You can book directly through Kanata Health. Dr. Sanei is double board-certified by both the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the American Board of Family Medicine, and is fully licensed to evaluate patients independently on both sides of the border.
Is there any obligation to proceed with testing after the consultation?
The consultation carries no obligation to proceed with testing; its purpose is to provide the clarity needed for an informed choice. Should you decide to move forward with any diagnostic tests, the consultation fee will be credited toward your testing costs.
What specific tests does Kanata Health provide access to?
The platform covers several categories of advanced diagnostics:
Cancer Screening: Blood-based multi-cancer early detection tests that screen for biological signals associated with 50 or more types of cancer. These tests analyze cell-free DNA in the bloodstream and are designed to detect signals before symptoms appear.
Genetic and Pharmacogenomic Testing: Inherited risk panels that identify genetic predispositions to certain conditions, and pharmacogenomic tests that examine how your specific genes may influence how your body responds to medications. This is particularly relevant for people managing psychiatric conditions, chronic pain, or cardiovascular disease.
ADHD Assessment
The exact tests recommended will depend entirely on your consultation with Dr. Sanei.
Do I need to travel to the United States?
Yes, for the testing appointment itself. All tests are performed at U.S.-based laboratories and facilities that have the specialized equipment and regulatory clearance required to run them. For most patients in British Columbia, this means a straightforward drive or short flight to Washington State. Most testing appointments are completed within a few hours, and the majority of patients return to Canada the same day.
Your consultation with Dr. Sanei happens virtually, before any travel is needed. Your results review also happens virtually after you return home. The U.S. visit is typically the only part of the process that requires you to leave Canada.
Is it legal for Canadians to access medical tests in the United States?
Yes, completely. Canadians are fully entitled to seek medical services abroad, including diagnostic testing in the United States, and there are no legal restrictions on traveling for medical purposes or bringing results back to Canada. Canadians cross the border for medical appointments regularly and border officers are accustomed to this.
When crossing, you can simply tell the border officer that you are traveling for a medical testing appointment and show your appointment confirmation if asked. This is a routine and unremarkable reason for entry.
How long will I be in the United States?
Most patients complete their testing visit in a single day. A testing appointment takes between one and three hours depending on the test, and you may be able to return home the same afternoon. Some tests require fasting preparation the evening before, which may make an overnight stay more practical depending on your appointment time. Dr. Sanei will walk you through the specific logistics of your test during your consultation so you can plan accordingly.
How much do the tests cost?
Test pricing varies depending on the type and complexity of the diagnostic and is quoted in full during your consultation before you make any payment decision. As a general guide:
Multi-cancer early detection blood tests are typically in the range of $1,000 to $1,500. Genetic panels range from $500 to $2,000, depending on scope. Comprehensive biomarker panels typically range from $800 to $3,000. Executive or multi-test programs can range from $3,000 and above.
You will never be asked to pay for a test without a full explanation of what it costs and what it involves. Payment is made directly to the U.S. provider through a secure payment link sent after your consultation.
Are the tests covered by MSP or my provincial health plan?
No. The advanced diagnostic tests available through Kanata Health are not covered by MSP or any other Canadian provincial health plan. They are entirely self-pay. Some patients have Health Spending Accounts through their employer that can be used toward self-pay medical expenses, including diagnostics. It is worth checking with your benefits administrator to see if this applies to your plan.
When and how do I pay?
The $150 consultation fee is paid online when you confirm your booking. You will not be charged for anything else until after your consultation, when you have received Dr. Sanei's recommendation and a full explanation of test costs. At that point, if you choose to proceed, you receive a secure payment link from the testing provider. There are no hidden fees at any stage.
What happens after I complete my testing?
Once your testing is complete, results are processed by the laboratory, which typically takes one to three weeks depending on the test. When results are ready, Dr. Sanei reviews them with you in a virtual follow-up consultation. He walks through what the findings show, what they may and may not indicate clinically, and what your options are going forward. You receive a written summary of results and recommendations that you can keep for your own records and share with your Canadian healthcare providers.
What if my results show something concerning?
Dr. Sanei will review findings with you directly and explain their clinical significance in plain language. He will outline the appropriate next steps based on what the results show, which may include monitoring over time, follow-up testing, discussion with your Canadian family physician, or referral to a specialist. You will never receive complex or unexpected results without physician interpretation and a clear discussion of what to do next.
Can I share my results with my Canadian family doctor?
Yes, and it is encouraged. Your results belong to you and can be shared with any physician involved in your care. Dr. Sanei provides a clinical summary written in language your family doctor can incorporate into your ongoing care. Most Canadian physicians welcome additional diagnostic information, particularly when it comes with physician interpretation from a board-certified colleague.
How accurate are these tests?
Every test has known limitations, and Dr. Sanei explains these clearly before making any recommendation. Multi-cancer early detection tests currently detect cancer signals with sensitivity ranging from approximately 40 to 90 percent across different cancer types, which means some cancers, particularly at early stages, may not be detected. Pharmacogenomic tests predict medication response with approximately 70 to 90 percent accuracy depending on the drug class. Comprehensive biomarker panels are highly sensitive for detecting patterns that routine bloodwork misses, but they are screening tools, not diagnostic conclusions.
Understanding these limitations is part of what the consultation is for. A test result is always interpreted in the context of your full health picture, not in isolation.
How long does the entire process take?
From booking to final results, the typical timeline is four to six weeks:
In the first week, you complete your virtual consultation with Dr. Sanei and receive a test recommendation. During weeks two and three, your testing appointment takes place in the United States (one day). Weeks three to five cover laboratory processing of your results. In weeks four to six, you meet virtually with Dr. Sanei to review results and discuss next steps.
The exact timeline varies by test type and laboratory. Dr. Sanei will give you a realistic estimate for your specific situation during your consultation.
Still deciding if this is right for you?
That is exactly what the consultation is for. In 30 minutes, Dr. Sanei will give you a clear, honest answer based on your specific health situation.
$150 virtual. No referral needed. No obligation to test.