People 'skip NHS waiting lists' with private scan service that's sorted in 'days'

Many people are turning to alternative services to seek clarity and diagnoses for their health, helping them 'skip waiting times on the NHS'. One popular private service that users are praising as 'quick and easy' is Scan.com.Described as the UK's leading platform for private medical imaging, Scan.com says it provides fast access to diagnostic scans and healthcare screenings, offering quick results and expert clinician support at every step. Whether it's pain, a sports injury, or symptoms like numbness, headaches or bloating, the company says it can offer diagnostic scans, such as MRIs or ultrasounds.A DEXA body composition scan is also available, and this can track muscle and fat changes, and cardiac checks could be ideal for those who have a family history of heart disease, the company says. Plus, from the age of 40, women can choose to begin breast screening with annual mammograms, which Scan.com says is 'a decade earlier than on the NHS'."Our goal is to remove the friction people often feel when trying to prioritise their health," says Dr Lizzie Tuckey, practising clinician and managing director at Scan.com. "Whether someone has a specific worry or just wants to feel more in control, we make it simple to take the first step and make confident decisions about what comes next."Scan.com says no GP referral is needed, there is 'no waiting', and there is a choice of 250+ locations. Services include heart health checks, spine assessments, prostate screenings, mammogram screenings, full body MRI screenings, bone density scans, body composition scans and brain assessments, according to the company's website.Prices will vary, depending on each individual, but for example, a private echocardiogram scan starts from £250, a private back scan starts from £295, a private prostate screening scan starts from £500, and a private mammogram scan starts from £395.For the full body MRI scans, there are various options to choose from. There is the base package from £1,500, the plus package from £1,750 and the comprehensive package from £2,500. According to Scan.com's website, two of the cheaper options include a DEXA body fat scan, which starts from £125, or a private bone density DEXA Scan, which starts from £150.For an alternative, however, Bupa also offers health assessments, with prices starting at £219. The private healthcare company offers six different choices, and there are options to have checks done at home.Vista Health also offers a wide range of diagnostic scans and health screenings. With more than 60 UK locations, the company says users can book a scan at their convenience without a GP referral.Customers have left very positive reviews about their experiences with Scan.com. One said: "I had not previously used their services and was somewhat taken aback by the speed of their response to my initial booking. The initial emails acknowledging payment and confirming the order were to be expected, but the almost immediate follow-up phone call from clinician Simon Thurgood was not. He led me through the procedure, assuring me that he would be back in touch as soon as the radiologist's report was received following the MRI scan. This happened as promised."In the meantime, the company offered me various solutions to the condition diagnosed by the scan. In the event I had already lined up a consultant and had a question about how to get scan images to his clinic. I called Scan.com and was walked through the process with all the necessary details to pass on to the consultant's clinic. Things could not have gone more smoothly and I have already started to recommend Scan.com to friends."A second person said: "I was able to book my scan super easily with only a six-day wait. The whole process was super easy and had my scan results back to me within two days. I asked for them to only call at specific times, which they did, and would highly recommend, especially when needing to skip waiting times on the NHS."Over on Trustpilot, where Scan.com has an average 4.5 out of five-star rating, making its overall rating 'Excellent', others have left some feedback. One said: "Very quick and professional, still confused at results. Should speak in plain language."Overall, however, most were pleased with their experience, as another person said: "Arranged my scan online quickly and easily, as there were some serious findings on my MRI. I was contacted and received the report within hours and advised to go straight to A&E, following this advice I received emergency surgery within 48h, I opted for this scan as I was on an NHS waiting list and had been in severe pain for several months. Thanks Scan.com for your efficient and prompt service."READ NEXT: Amazon spring sale shoppers race to buy ionic hairdryer and straightener bundleAll Apple-made Beats earbuds are on sale, starting at just £59'Superb' Philips electric shaver less than half price in Amazon Spring Sale early dealPremium Apple Watch is far less than you think after this surprising discountZara Tindall 'copies' Princess Kate as she wears gorgeous £1k outfit at Cheltenham