AARP Hearing Center
Is a Full-Body Scan Worth the Money?
A doctor’s advice on what to consider when weighing the cost of head-to-toe imaging
James Yates
Is it worth it to get a full-body scan?
This question requires a more nuanced response than my usual columns, so I’m going to first explain what a full-body scan is, talk about what this type of scan can and cannot do, and then give you my opinion on whether it’s worth it.
More Ways to Benefit
- Related Benefit 1
- Related Benefit 2
- Related Benefit 3
- Related Benefit 4
- Related Benefit 5
Full-body scans take images of the entire body from head to toe, including your tissues, organs and bones. It uses either a CT or MRI imaging machine. A full-body CT scan uses X-rays and emits a low level of radiation, while an MRI machine relies on magnetic and radio fields and doesn’t release any radiation. Facilities that offer this diagnostic tool often make promises that their machine will catch cancer early before it spreads, as well as signs of cardiac diseases and other abnormal medical conditions.
The scan usually takes around an hour, including preparation, and on average costs between $2,000 and $3,000, sometimes more. It’s generally not covered by insurance or Medicare. From my understanding, no major cancer or other medical institutions recommend full-body scans, and no studies that I know of show that they improve survival.
That said, the U.K. Biobank Imaging Project has just completed the world’s largest whole-body scanning project and collected images from 100,000 participants. The results remain to be analyzed, so stay tuned.
Meanwhile, what we do know is that full-body scans look at big “slices” of the body, rather than capturing a more detailed view. Imagine a loaf of bread that has been cut with a few fat slices rather than many thinner ones. With less definition, this can result in false-positive results, leading to a cascading list of unnecessary follow-up tests and needless worry. On the flip side, it may create a false sense of security. If, for example, the scan missed any microscopic cancers and you receive an all-clear, you may forgo necessary testing.
One of my patients had a full-body MRI scan recently. He was told, “We see something in your brain.” When he asked the radiologist what it was, he was told, “We don’t know. Our MRI isn’t sensitive enough. You’ll have to have one that just focuses on your brain.”
So the poor guy with zero symptoms had to get a proper MRI of his brain at a conventional radiology facility. Since he had no reason to justify getting one, his insurance wouldn’t pay. Long story short, he was out around $8,000, and the only thing he gained was a lot of unnecessary anxiety.
Keep in mind that there are targeted scans your doctor will order that are much more reliable and effective, including mammograms, lung scans and colonoscopies, as well as blood tests that can alert your doctor to numerous medical conditions.
All this said, when my patients are determined to get a full-body scan, I usually won’t try to convince them otherwise. It’s the same if someone tells me they are sending their blood to a California lab, or their hair to be analyzed for various conditions. I don’t want to discourage anyone from taking an interest in their health, so long as it doesn’t hurt them.
But if someone asks if I recommend a full-body scan, that’s another story. My answer is always “no,” and then I go over all the reasons I’ve already mentioned.
No matter what test you are getting, always ask your health care provider: “Why are you ordering this test?” And, “What are you going to do with the results?” Because if you’re not going to do anything with the results, there’s no reason to get a scan in the first place.
The upshot? You’re better off skipping a full-body scan. Instead, invest in healthy habits, regular checkups and real conversations about your risk factors — that’s where true preventative power lies. At the end of the day, health isn’t about chasing every test; it’s about making informed choices.
AARP Membership
Join AARP for only $15 per year with automatic renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of benefits, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.
You Might Also Like
Foods to Help Manage Blood Pressure
Help control your blood pressure numbers by watching what’s on your plate
The U.S. is Facing a Physician Shortage
Here’s how you can find the care you need
Try These Tips for Living a Healthier Life
Small changes can add up to big mental and physical results