Frustrated by lengthy NHS waiting lists, a growing number of patients across the UK are turning to private providers for crucial diagnostic scans, seeking faster answers for potential health concerns.
Direct Access to Faster Diagnostics
Leading this shift is the private health scanning network Scan.com, which reports a significant surge in demand. The company has made it possible for individuals to bypass the traditional referral process. Patients can now book a scan directly online without first needing to secure a GP referral.
Here is how the streamlined service works:
- A patient submits their symptoms via the online platform.
- A registered clinician then reviews the details.
- The clinician arranges the correct type of scan and issues the necessary referral internally.
This efficient system means appointments are typically available within days, a stark contrast to extended NHS waiting times.
Tackling Silent Killers with Speed
The service is particularly vital for people who require urgent clarification on so-called silent killer conditions. These are serious health issues like heart disease, aneurysms, or cancers that may not present obvious symptoms in their early stages.
Early detection is critical, and these private scans can help identify problems before they become critical, especially when time is a major factor in treatment outcomes.
Comprehensive Services and Rapid Results
Scan.com operates across a network of more than 200 sites throughout the UK, partnering with state-of-the-art hospital groups and independent imaging clinics to provide broad access.
Once a scan is complete, all images are reviewed by consultant radiologists. Patients receive a detailed report, with most results returned within forty-eight hours. This report can be shared directly with their GP or a specialist to facilitate any necessary follow-up care.
The cost of these private scans is now more accessible than many anticipate. Prices start from:
- Approximately £300 for an MRI scan.
- Around £180 for an ultrasound.
- Roughly £250 for an echocardiogram.
For a more extensive health overview, a comprehensive full-body MRI, which covers the brain, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, is available for about £1,499.
This move towards direct-access private scanning signifies a change in the healthcare landscape, making essential diagnostic services available to those unwilling or unable to face long waits for NHS appointments.
