In the past few years, elective medical tests have emerged as a trend with people wanting to take control of their health. DEXA scans and MRI scans are special, and for good reason. They are useful not just for estimating body fat percentage, but for giving important context to health and lifestyle goals. Dr. Vonda Wright discusses the importance of DEXA scans in tracking body composition. At the same time, other health care providers cautioned against unnecessary testing and subsequent complications it could cause.
The author just finished implementing a complete health impact assessment. This required a Functional Health test, including ten vials of blood drawn. As this new testing went on, their results started showing abnormally high levels of small LDL particles, which is exactly what’s known as “bad cholesterol.” After the first test, Function Health provides a follow-up lab panel within a year. This service is offered at an extra charge. This last point touches on a larger trend toward personalized health monitoring and a proliferation of elective tests.
Along with that blood test, the writer had a whole body MRI scan done by Prenuvo. This state-of-the-art full-body imaging scan, which costs $3,999, is designed to detect early signs of disease and other health conditions. For anyone looking for a lower-cost, leaner alternative, Ezra has a simplified torso scan available at $499. Not every test is associated with big dollar signs—BodySpec offers DEXA scans for $50.
DEXA scans are increasingly accessible through various providers nationwide, making them an attractive option for individuals interested in understanding their bone health. Dr. Wright noted that getting insurance to cover DEXA scans is often limited to patients 65 and older. He pointed out that worries over bone health are important for people of any age.
“Right now, insurance will pay for DEXA scans on average at 65, but the reality is, bone health is something that we are concerned [about] across the lifespan,” – Dr. Vonda Wright
Though optional tests are increasingly available, experts in the medical community are warning against their use. In the editorial accompanying the study, Dr. Matthew Davenport warned against the proliferation of elective MRI scans. He emphasized that they offer incredible perspectives on health diseases. He was quick to caution that they lead to added complexity for complexity’s sake.
“The risk is that the false positives dominate, and you end up with negative health value. You end up generating a lot of unnecessary testing,” – Dr. Matthew Davenport
This comment highlights the significance of using elective tests appropriately, considering the positive effects compared to possible harm.
Dr. Josh Cheema noted how a bulk of those tests were accessible through primary care physicians. He noted that when these tests are ordered for clinical purposes, health insurers typically reimburse for them. This coverage is usually supported by strong evidence-based guidelines.
“Actually, the majority of them, often, they’re covered by medical insurance, especially when they’re ordered for a clinical reason and they’re supported by evidence-based guidelines,” – Dr. Josh Cheema
He touched on the accessibility of tests such as DEXA scans, emphasizing their necessity in overall health upkeep.
“I think a lot of these tests can be obtained from your regular doctor,” – Dr. Josh Cheema
The writer’s whole-body MRI scan, seven minutes long in total, was admittedly a pretty speedy affair. And keep an eye on what those consequences can be for any elective test. As always, be sure to work with clinicians when planning to pursue further testing.
The author intends to schedule another DEXA scan in six months. This will enable them to track and measure changes in body composition and cholesterol levels over time. This proactive, go-to-the-patient mindset fulfills the increasing demand for preventive healthcare via the use of elective testing.
