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Full-body Scams, er a ... Scans
By Stephen Bucaro
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Full-body CT (Computer Tomography) scanners are appearing in
strip malls and office centers all over the country. Many
doctors are recommending a full-body CT scan (follow the
kick-back money). The sales pitch; "A full-body scan can find
disease early when it is more treatable." The scans cost between
$600.00 and $3,000.00 and are not covered by Medicare or health
insurance plans when no symptoms exist.
The scam is most profitable when perpetrated against individuals
over 50 years of age. Scans of individuals in this age group
often show scars from long ago healed cysts and benign spots on
the kidney, liver, or pancreas. Doctors and hospitals can use
these meaningless irregularities to generate thousands of
dollars in unnecessary tests. False positive test results can
generate profits from biopsies and invasive surgeries.
CT scans provide the most profitable but the poorest quality of
medial imaging. Contrast agents can be used to make CT scans
more accurate, but the fast-buck consumer imaging centers don't
use contrast agents. Ultra Sound and MRI (Magnetic Resonance
Imaging) scans provide much sharper images, but a lower profit
margin. The result is, the CT scan might give you the false
security of perfect health when a killer disease exists.
The American Cancer Society, the FDA (Food and Drug
Administration) and the American College of Radiology do not
recommend full-body CT scans. The American Cancer Society says,
"x-ray radiation has a cumulative effect. You should not get
unnecessary x-rays." If you have no symptoms but still feel that
you need to get a full-body CT scan, you might try seeing a
psychiatrist about a condition called hypochondriasis.
About the author:
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