Life Line Screening

[denis567]

Just had a letter from Life Line Screening offering to carry out screening tests to show early symptoms of strokes, heart disease and osteoporosis.
The screenings take place at a local venue and cost £149.
Before committing myself, I wonder if anyone has had these tests done, and is it worth it?
One niggling doubt about it comes from the fact that they are only in the area for 1 day, but they do not say what that day is, surely, if you are going to go ahead with these tests, it would be useful to know in advance the date.

[starone]

I thought about having these tests so I asked my doctor if it was worth it. She was very dismissive and said any tests needed could and would be done by the NHS. She reckoned you would become needlessly alarmed by having these tests. I took her advice and she was perfectly right. If I think something is wrong I go and see her, and so far everything has turned out as she said. I thought it would save the NHS some money but apparently it is pointless and expensive to you. She also pointed out that the reason for supplying the service was to make some money out of you. She was right.

[emmie]

starbuckone is right, don't do it, any tests can be done at surgery or hospital if need be.

[Sqad]

starby/em10 are absolutely correct.

[LoftyLottie]

Have read a lot about these and agree with all the other posters.

[237SJ]

I had a Nuffield hospital test years ago (there was a coupon for a third off in the M&S magazine). I`m glad I did as it was quite comprehensive (exercise ECGs and all sorts of things). They found a fibroid that the gp had missed (even though I had gone to her with symptoms). It cost £200. £149 is quite low so for that price I wouldn`t think it is very comprehensive. You mght as well go to the GP as and when.

[LoftyLottie]

I think the Nuffield Hospital Test would have been quite different to Life Line Screening. Probably the Nuffield tests would be similar to the BUPA screening you can pay for.

I have read lots of bad things about Life Line.

[denis567]

Thank you everybody for your replies. I don't think I will bother with the tests.

[CC57217]

Preventive screenings such as these are not available on NHS without active symptoms, which is often way too late. Sadly, often the first symptom of a stroke is a stroke. Ruptured aneurysms result in death in 80% of cases. Google A&E Walking Timebomb for one example of a life saved. Prevention is better than cure.

[Mamyalynne]

I watched that episode of 24 Hours in A&E, that was one very lucky man.