Program directory
Advanced Diagnostic Screening: Compare the Test, Cost, and Follow-Up Burden
Compare what each advanced screening test can find, its current public price, and the follow-up it can trigger. Use the test only when its result could change a real medical decision.
Screening Comparison
Price Is Only the First Cost
Public self-pay examples were checked on October 11, 2026. Follow-up imaging, specialist visits, biopsies, repeat testing, and the effect of an uncertain result may cost more than the first test.
| Test | Current public price example | What it can answer | Evidence boundary | Likely follow-up burden |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-body MRI | Prenuvo lists $2,499 for its standalone whole-body scan. | Images many organs without ionizing radiation and may find an unexpected abnormality. | The American College of Radiology says evidence is not sufficient to recommend total-body screening for asymptomatic people without risk factors or family history. | Incidental findings can lead to focused imaging, repeat scans, specialist visits, or biopsy. Ask who manages that work before scanning. |
| Coronary artery calcium CT | Function and Ezra list $349 for a heart CT with a calcium score. | Measures calcified plaque to refine a cardiovascular prevention decision. | The USPSTF finds insufficient evidence for adding calcium scoring to traditional risk assessment in all asymptomatic adults. Other guidelines use it selectively when the treatment decision is uncertain. | The useful next step is a risk discussion, not automatic repeat scanning. The test uses a low dose of radiation and does not show every form of plaque. |
| DEXA bone-density scan | Insurance and self-pay prices vary by location. Ask whether the quote is for medical bone density, body composition, or both. | Measures bone mineral density. Some systems also report body composition. | The USPSTF recommends osteoporosis screening for women 65 and older and younger postmenopausal women at increased fracture risk. Evidence is insufficient for routine screening of men. | An abnormal result should connect to fracture-risk assessment and evidence-based management. Body-composition tracking is a different use. |
| Multi-cancer blood test | Galleri lists $949, with a $799 self-pay price available through many providers. | Looks for a cancer-associated signal and suggests where it may have come from. It does not diagnose cancer. | An FDA advisory panel voted in favor in September 2026, but the test was still awaiting an FDA decision when this page was checked. It does not replace recommended breast, cervical, colorectal, or lung screening. | A positive signal needs diagnostic work. A negative result can still miss cancer. Ask who pays for and coordinates the workup. |
| Inherited-risk genetic panel | Labcorp Invitae lists $299 for its comprehensive genetic risk panel and $250 for its cancer risk panel. | Finds inherited variants that may change prevention for you or relatives. It does not look for a current tumor. | Value depends on personal and family history, the genes tested, and whether a result has a proven action. | A positive or uncertain result may require genetic counseling, family testing, and changes to medical screening. Life and disability insurance protections differ from health-insurance protections. |
| Focus | Screening model |
|---|---|
| What It Covers |
|
| Typical Cost | $299 for a current public genetic-panel example, $349 for one calcium CT example, $949 list price for one multi-cancer blood test, and $2,499 for one whole-body MRI example |
| Evidence Level | Mixed by component: guideline-based bone, heart, and cancer screening helps selected groups, while broad testing of people without symptoms can find uncertain abnormalities without proving a health benefit |
| Regulatory Status | Regulated imaging and laboratory tests used outside the populations guidelines recommend screening |
| Watchouts |
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| Questions To Ask |
|
Sources
Current Evidence and Published Prices
Prices and program terms can change. The check date shows when each public source was reviewed.
- American College of Radiology statement on screening total-body MRI Addresses screening people without symptoms, risk factors, or relevant family history. Checked 2026-10-11
- Prenuvo whole-body scan pricing Lists the standalone whole-body scan at $2,499 and explains included services. Checked 2026-10-11
- USPSTF statement on coronary artery calcium risk assessment Finds insufficient evidence for adding calcium scoring to traditional assessment for all asymptomatic adults. Checked 2026-10-11
- USPSTF osteoporosis screening recommendation Gives the January 2025 recommendations and the populations covered by DXA screening evidence. Checked 2026-10-11
- FDA September 2026 Galleri advisory panel materials Summarizes benefit and risk questions considered by the advisory panel; an advisory vote is not final FDA approval. Checked 2026-10-11
- Galleri patient pricing and limitations Lists the $949 price, lower self-pay availability, and the need for diagnostic follow-up. Checked 2026-10-11
- Labcorp Invitae genetic risk panel prices Lists $299 for a comprehensive genetic risk panel and $250 for a cancer genetic risk panel. Checked 2026-10-11
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