Should I Buy Groceries or Get a Diagnostic Scan?

Abstract

The economic burden of medical care is shared (often disproportionately) between patients, health care systems, and payers. Diagnostic scans in particular provide valuable information for providers; however, imaging is often performed in high-cost settings. Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities have emerged as viable options for patients, but care is often fragmented and may lack sufficient quality standards. To change health care, bold steps are needed to maximize value-based care, enhance access, and ensure affordability for communities. If this fails to occur, for many more years, we will unfortunately hear "should I buy groceries or get a diagnostic scan?".