Scan.com UK

Scan.com UK: private diagnostic imaging without a medical referral

Scan.com UK is a private diagnostic imaging provider operating in the UK. The company presents itself as the country's largest network of diagnostic scanning centres, with over 150 partner centres and more than 200 locations available to book online. Its approach focuses on eliminating waiting lists and the need for a GP referral: patients can self-refer, book an appointment and receive their results digitally.

The service includes a clinical consultation before the scan, a consultant-authored report and online access to the images if the patient requires it. The company states that the process begins with online booking, continues with a clinical call to discuss the scan and symptoms, and ends with digital delivery of the results, which can be shared with any subsequent care provider.

Types of scan and diagnostic services

Scan.com UK's offering covers a wide range of diagnostic tests, screening and health assessments. The main services include:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): uses magnetic fields and radio waves to obtain detailed images of soft tissues, organs, joints, blood vessels, bones and the spine. Starting from £295.
• CT (Computed Tomography): uses X-rays to detect, locate and monitor conditions in the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and blood vessels, as well as to assess bones, joints and fractures. Starting from £360.
• Ultrasound: a safe method that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of joints, soft tissues, organs and blood vessels. Starting from £180.
• Open MRI: machines with more space, suitable for patients with claustrophobia, anxiety, reduced mobility or obesity, or who need seated or standing scans. Starting from £295.
• Full body MRI: preventative screening of the brain, chest, abdomen, pelvis and key blood vessels. Starting from £1,499.

The company also offers echocardiograms, X-rays, dental cone beam CT, OPG panoramic X-ray, mammograms, heart scans, prostate scans, pregnancy scans and DEXA scans, among others.

Health assessments and additional services

Scan.com UK offers specialist assessment packages including brain assessment, CognitionCheck (memory and cognition), back pain, knee, bone density and body composition. As complementary services, it offers radiology second opinion, orthopaedic consultation, post-scan consultation, private neurology consultation and a private physiotherapy package.

The company also provides patients with interactive, accessible reports, featuring clickable diagrams and definitions of medical terms. It notes that it is Scanslated's exclusive UK partner, so these types of reports are not available from other providers.

Centre network and coverage

The company states it has over 150 partner scanning centres and more than 200 locations across the UK, allowing patients to choose the type of scan, location and budget. Scan.com UK presents itself as the country's largest diagnostic imaging centre network. The company manages the entire process, from referral to delivery of results.

Appointment process and timescales

The workflow described by the company consists of five steps: online booking at the chosen location, a conversation with a clinician to discuss the scan and symptoms, confirmation of the appointment via a call from the scanning centre, the scan itself with expert partners, and digital delivery of the results. The company states that patients can receive a clinical telephone consultation within two days if they have difficulty obtaining a referral through the traditional GP route. General opening hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 18:00.