Patients stuck on NHS waiting lists turn to radiologist-founded website for scans

Scan.com is a private online healthcare provider that offers diagnostic imaging services, such as MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-rays

Millions of Brits are currently stuck in a queue for NHS services, even for urgent cases. This can be an incredibly stressful and frustrating time for those worried about their health, leading many to turn to private medical services to speed things up.

While private services come with a price tag, unlike the NHS which is free at the point of use, patients can often get results and treatments much quicker than they would through an NHS service. Plus, when it comes to things like medical imaging, scans and tests, some people believe it’s worth the cost for peace of mind and faster treatment.

Those in need of diagnostic imaging, such as MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray, can access services through Scan.com at more 200 clinics across the country. There’s no referral needed and no waiting list, with appointments available in as little as 24-72 hours, provided by a network of trusted clinics and experienced radiologistsreports the Express.

Through Scan.com, patients can get a private X-Ray from just £95, an MRI scan from £305, a CT scan from £360, an ultrasound from £80-£180, along with a range of other services such as mammograms, echocardiograms, prostate screening and more. Following the appointment, patients receive rapid digital results that can be easily shared with GPs and specialists – whether NHS or private – and there’s frequently the option to request copies of their scans if needed.

Scan.com services are accessible in clinics across the country, from Bath to Birmingham, Cheltenham to Colchester. There are alternative private healthcare providers throughout the country that offer similar services.

Vista Health provides Private MRI Services, with costs listed online as beginning at £249 for an MRI Scan, and an ultrasound starting at £175. Patients receive reports and images from consultations, where applicable. They operate locations in London, Liverpool, Scotland and beyond.

Meanwhile, HCA Healthcare UK is another provider delivering private MRI scans and services. They maintain access across London, Birmingham and Manchester, and state appointments can be arranged in as little as 24 hours. Their costs can be supplied when patients telephone to enquire about services.

Nevertheless, users of Scan.com have said it has provided them with crucial peace of mind and answers when they require them most. Penny, 67, from Lincolnshire said: “It was worth the fee to get the diagnosis I needed. What could be more important than your health?

“And if I hadn’t taken the decision to get my scan, my condition could have deteriorated further and I could be in a lot of trouble in a few years’ time. I wasn’t taken seriously by my GP, but passing my scan results on, I was finally taken seriously and now I’m receiving the treatment that I actually need.”

Robert, who obtained an MRI through Scan.com, commented: “I hoped to get a scan on the NHS. They put me down as urgent, and I asked how long it would be before I was able to see somebody, and they said probably about a month. So that’s when I started looking to find a private scan somehow.

“I Googled private scans, and Scan.com came up. Now I think it’s brilliant because it takes away that waiting and stress. If I hadn’t used Scan.com, if I hadn’t got my own private scan, I could well have died. I’m very glad I did it.”

A separate customer shared on Trustpilot: “The whole process was smooth and convenient. I was able to get a scan at a place and date of my choice. The results arrived on the next working day, and the interactive report explained any unfamiliar terms. I would use Scan.com again.”

Yet some customers discovered the service fell short of expectations. One person commented: “Super efficient initial call to set up appointment. Scan facilities are good. A little disappointed with the very brief call from Radiologist to run through the findings. A think a little more time with the consultant at the end could make all the difference.”

A further user noted: “Rapid availability of scan slots, although it would have been nice to have a slightly more extensive consultation either before or after the imaging. I also haven’t had an acknowledgement to my email requesting my images yet.”

Discover more and reserve scans at Scan.com