Counterproductive Screening

There has been a definite move towards looking at improving our health rather than just treating illness over the last 10 years. Health screening has become part of this initiative and is encouraged by private health insurance companies. In fact some companies use health checks as part of the criteria for discount schemes which reward healthier living. A new report by consumer group Which? however is questioning the veracity of these tests.

Which? conducted a survey of 4,000 people and found that 30% of them would have a screening test with the view that it would help to alert them to anything that might be wrong. Unfortunately research found that screening companies often delivered very different results to the same individual.

The survey sent undercover researchers aged between 46 and 62 to Bupa, BMI Healthcare and Nuffield Health to have comprehensive MOT's. None of them had any known health problems yet 8 of them were advised to get further GP tests within 6 months.

Editor of Which? magazine, Martyn Hockingsaid: 'Health MOTs often cater for the 'worried well' who want the reassurance of a clean bill of health, but they can cost hundreds of pounds for what sometimes amounts to little more than lifestyle and dietary advice. That might seem harmless, but a false sense of reassurance is potentially risky, and if the tests flag issues that turn out to be false alarms you could actually end up with unnecessary worry, rather than the peace of mind you signed up for.

Which? advises people who are considering a health MOT to check what information, tests or screening are available from their GP first, and to see their GP if they have symptoms.'

Which? Had concerns that the downside of tests were not explained. For example false alarms as explained above and the risk of cancer from unnecessary CT scans. One researcher was given conflicting advice about their risk of heart disease from each company despite having the same test results in each case.

A spokesperson from BMI Healthcare said: 'We are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of patient care. We firmly believe that our Intelligent Health assessments are good value for money and can deliver positive, life-changing benefits to our patients.

'It is clinically proven that early detection of conditions and diseases, which enables earlier treatment and more effective disease management, can extend survival rates and improve quality of life for the individual. We regularly review the clinical evidence base for each element of our BMI Intelligent Health assessments to ensure effectiveness and quality as well as achievement of specific national standards and quality assurance processes. Also, BMI Intelligent Health does not provide unnecessary MRI and CT scanning as highlighted in the Which? report.'

One lady was distressed because the tests discovered gall stones. Even though she had no symptoms she would now be obliged to inform her health insurance company. This meant that she would have higher health insurance premiums and possibly not be covered for this condition should anything flare up.

The Which? report does not condem health screening per se, some screening is undoubtedly life-saving, but what it does warn against is uncessary screening which could create more confusion rather than peace of mind. In the meantime it is unlikely that health cover companies will review their position on health screening and consumers do find premium reductions attractive. Conversely any uncovered condition may not then be covered when you come to renew your medical insurance policy even if the condition has not presented any symptoms.