Radiology practice SimonMed launches nationwide whole-body MRI service, charging fraction of competitors’ prices

Growing radiology practice SimonMed Imaging is launching a nationwide whole-body MRI service and charging a fraction of competitors’ prices.

SimonOne utilizes artificial intelligence, advanced clinical protocols and the “best available” MRI equipment to detect diseases before symptoms arise, the Scottsdale, Arizona-based company said Thursday. Exams last about 20-30 minutes and cover more than 100 body structures from the pelvis to the head.

Patients will pay $650 a pop, compared to $2,350 or even $2,499 charged by other providers for 60-minute scans.

“Through SimonOne, we are combining over 20 years of clinical expertise in whole body imaging, cutting edge artificial intelligence, and advanced medical technology to deliver a powerful exam at lower cost and greater speed,” Founder and CEO John Simon, MD, said in a June 15 announcement. “We are committed to saving lives by making preventative healthcare accessible … By detecting cancer and other diseases early, patients often have better treatment options and higher survival rates.”

Patients can undergo the scans at one of SimonMed’s “convenient” office locations. The practice has a total of 170 sites spanning 11 states and employing over 200 subspecialist-trained radiologists. But it is initially only offering the whole-body service at 20 locations in eight states, including New York, California, Illinois, Arizona and Florida. A SimonOne provider reviews results with the patient during a telehealth consultation and establishes a “personalized action plan.” Patients can schedule an exam without a primary care referral, the practice added.

“Results from the SimonOne whole body MRI can be life changing, including identification of early cancers and vascular abnormalities, and can also provide patients with often needed peace of mind and better mental health,” the company said in its announcement.

SimonMed soft-launched the service in 2021 and since then has seen “much interest” in whole-body imaging among all age groups. It’s also offering more advanced, AI-powered screening exams targeted toward the prostate, brain and liver. The practice is differentiating itself from whole-body MRI competitors by highlighting its decades of clinical experience and “large specialized radiology practice to support the latest advances.” New York-based startup Ezra offers a similar “Full Body Flash” MRI that lasts 30 minutes and costs $1,350.

Provider groups such as the American College of Radiology have questioned using whole-body MRIs to unearth diseases, concerned the exams could trigger additional unnecessary healthcare services.

SimonMed inked a partnership with New York-based private equity firm American Securities in 2021, with PE Hub estimating the sponsorship’s value at $600 million. At the time, SimonMed operated 147 imaging centers in 11 states.