Imaging centers promote CT scans via Groupon

Various imaging centers throughout the U.S. have been offering promotions for discounted CT scans through online marketing company Groupon.

The majority of individuals who have been purchasing these reduced-rate CT scan deals have sought out imaging services without a prior physician referral, only going in to the hospital after being told they had an abnormal result, according to a Twitter post by Dr. Nicole Herbst, a pulmonary and critical care fellow at Emory University in Atlanta.

Herbst recently managed care for three patients at her hospital who had brought in disks carrying imaging exams -- acquired through Groupon deals -- for interpretation by certified radiologists.

Saw 3 pts in clinic for abnormal chest CTs BOUGHT ON GROUPON.

Evolution of my thoughts:
-What the $@&#? (*Google it*)
-hm actually priced pretty reasonably 🤔
-jeez if I ever need testing I’m going w/ Groupon, prob cheaper than insurance 🤷‍♀️

US healthcare is bonkers

— Nicole Herbst (@NicoleHerbst2) August 25, 2019

"As far as I am aware, no one 'ordered' the studies or determined they were necessary," she wrote in her Twitter post. "[There was] only one patient with a possible indication for lung [cancer] screening due to smoking [history]."

Herbst's report was followed by a deluge of mixed reactions among the Twitterverse, ranging from utter disbelief to advocacy for more patient control.

Depending on the imaging center, the cost for a chest CT scan on Groupon can be as low as $140 -- considerably cheaper than the average price of a conventional scan. Diagnostic and Wellness Imaging in Torrance, CA, for example, is offering heart, lung, and body CT scans for a limited time at nearly 70% off the standard price when purchased through Groupon.

Similar deals for other imaging exams also are available at a number of imaging centers throughout the U.S., including liver MRI exams in Plymouth, MN, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans in Mission Viejo, CA.