A letter just came in the mail from Life Line Screening Radiology LLC regarding ‘life saving screenings’. The letter encourages you to pay $139 for 3 screenings to determine your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.While some of the information in the letter is true, such as the fact that cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of both men AND women, it makes no mention of the age at which you should consider these tests.
It complains that insurance companies will only pay for these tests if there are symptoms; but it makes no mention of age, hereditary factors or risk factors being present, which would of course clearly indicate that these tests should be performed.
It also mentions stroke, with 50% of victims not ever having had symptoms. But the only testimonial urging you to get these screenings to avoid stroke is written by the medical director of the company offering the screenings (talk about conflict of interest—and what, no celebrity endorsement? Amazing.). The sales pitch doesn’t even mention a test for high blood pressure, which would be one of the leading indicators of cause for concern for stroke.
The full color leaflet which is also in the envelope contradicts the letter, because it mentions that you will also get an osteoporosis test, but the equipment used would not be adequate for a proper bone density test.
In addition, the flyer and letter both claim that they partner with hospitals to do the screening, yet the letter invites you to, of all places, a ballet studio.
On the back page of the leaflet, in very small print, it declared that no diagnosis will be given—so why go? It also says that the screenings can’t detect all forms of stroke-so again, why go?
At the bottom it shows which credit cards it takes and declares it is only for those who can pay: they have nothing to do with Medicare nor any insurance company. Nor do they refer you to any doctor.
Finally, the letter urges you to hurry to get your appointment, as they are limited because they are in the city for one day only. If these tests are so essential, why are they not here full time. It also encourages you to tell all your friends and loved ones—if appointments are limited to one day only, and take an hour, according to the letter, how could everyone possibly be accommodated?
This is the worst form of scare-mongering and can clearly do more harm than good, heightening people’s fears for their health. They claim they do not give a diagnosis, but no one who goes for the test is not going to ask what they see (or supposedly see).
What if they DO find something? Every test also the possibility of a ‘false positive’. There is no follow up–they are moving on to the next city.
So if you do feel the need for any of these medical tests, based on your personal health history, go to your own doctor. He or she will send you to an established, reputable lab. No money will change hands if you are insured, except possibly a co-pay, because all the paperwork will be handled for you, and if something IS found, you will be able to go over your results with your doctor, and work together on a strategy and plan of action.
Cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure, the leading contributor to stroke, may be in your genes, but neither of them are inevitable. You can work with your doctor to diminish your risk factors. Save your money on these so-called screenings, and tell your parents and loved ones to eat right, exercise, quit smoking, and visit their doctor regularly.
