SimonMed hopes to drum up whole-body MRI business
SimonMed Imaging is seeking to drum up more whole-body MRI business by targeting the military, veterans and first responders.
The Tucson, Arizona-based radiology practice announced Monday it will offer 20% discounts to these consumer segments on any of its “Longevity” branded scans. SimonMed first launched the division in January, hoping to capitalize on the health-conscious consumer craze that’s scored endorsements from multiple celebrities.
The business line offers different tiers of elective MRI exams interpreted by its staff of over 200 radiologists. Packages range from an $899 for a 30-minute “Core MRI” focused on the chest, abdomen and pelvis up to a $2,199 for an hour-long option that also covers the head, neck and spine. SimonMed hopes its new Shield Program can help professionals whose health is often impacted on the job.
“Many veterans and first responders spend years focused on protecting others while putting their own health second,” Sean Raj, MD, MBA, chief medical and innovation officer at SimonMed, said in a statement May 18. “The Shield Program is one way we can support them in taking a more proactive approach to their own health through advanced imaging designed to help identify potential concerns earlier.”
SimonMed said the new program officially kicked off on Armed Forces Day, May 16, with discounts available at all locations. It noted that no referral is needed for the elective scans, and health savings accounts can be used to cover the cost. Each whole-body MRI includes virtual clinical consultation with a radiologist to review findings and next steps. Where necessary, patients also have access to follow-up imaging services including CT, mammography and DEXA. Along with vets, the Shield Program also applies to active-duty military, reserves, National Guard members, police officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics.
SimonMed said its Longevity offering evaluates 13-plus organs and systems in a single scan. It seeks to help identify abnormalities associated with conditions including cancer, fatty liver disease, aneurysms and musculoskeletal or spinal degeneration.
Founded in 2003, SimonMed operates over 170 imaging centers across 10 states, supported by a team of over 300 radiologists. The group inked a $600 million partnership with New York private equity firm American Securities in 2021 and has grown steadily since. SimonMed also recently launched new add-on AI services that come with extra out-of-pocket charges.
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.