Are full-body MRI scans worth the hefty price tag? Doctors dish on all you need to know

With celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton singing the praises of full-body MRI scans, a growing number of people are coughing up the cash for the preventive measure — but is the peace of mind worth the hefty price tag?Dr.Mikhail Varshavski, more commonly known as “Dr.

Mike,” is a podcaster and primary care physician in New Jersey.He recently spoke about full-body scans with Andrew Lacy, CEO of Prenuvo, one of the biggest providers of full-body scans.“I have to say, I’m certainly intrigued by the technology, and I’m in love with the concept of catching diseases earlier so that we can have more success with treatment,” Dr.

Mike said during the podcast.“However, I am still not sold that this is what the Prenuvo scan has proven to deliver.In the day and age where we find ourselves, folks want more out of healthcare than we can yet deliver.”Full-body scans use different technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET), according to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.The goal is to detect early signs of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and other abnormalities.Dr.

Daniel Durand, chief medical officer at Prenuvo, who is based in Maryland, compared the scan to a “virtual physical” in which a radiologist examines the inside of the body in a way that a traditional annual physical cannot.Prenuvo’s scan uses MRI technology to collect a “vast amount of health data,” he told Fox News Digital.“Two licensed providers analyze this data, explain its relevance directly to you, and offer you guidance on the next steps necessary to optimize your health,” he said.Insurance does not typically cover whole-body scans.“Coverage usually varies widely by insurance plan, jurisdiction, and the specific clinical guidelines for each genetic condition,” Dr.Mike told Fox News Digital. “My general understanding is that for screening purposes, the test is usually ...