For patients battling serious or rare cancers, advanced diagnostic tools like PET/CT scans are often essential. But access to those tools isn’t always guaranteed—even when recommended by a physician.

A recent story shared on Mayo Clinic Connect highlights this troubling reality. A patient with stage 4 neuroendocrine tumors received a physician-recommended PET/CT scan. Despite providing a letter of medical necessity, their insurance provider denied the claim. The result? A $6,000 bill that was sent to collections—all while the patient was still in the appeals process.

This isn’t just about paperwork or red tape. It’s a stark reminder of how delays in care—particularly for time-sensitive or complex conditions—can result in significant emotional and financial burden. Even when a scan is clinically justified, patients can be left shouldering the costs or delaying care altogether.

Unfortunately, this case is not unique. Across the country, patients are increasingly encountering denials for medically necessary imaging, including PET/CT scans used for cancer detection, staging, and follow-up.

In response to these barriers, some imaging centers are stepping up to provide more affordable, direct-access options—without requiring pre-authorization or insurance approval.

Scantibodies Imaging and Therapy offers PET/CT scans near San Diego County for under $2,000, with transparent pricing and fast scheduling. For patients navigating rare, chronic, or difficult-to-diagnose conditions, direct access to imaging can be a meaningful step toward timely care.

🔍 If you’ve faced delays or denials for imaging, consult with your healthcare provider to explore alternatives. Diagnostic clarity should never come at the cost of your financial stability.