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.