DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am an avid reader of yours and felt compelled to write to you after reading an article you did about a gentleman who was very disgruntled with Life Line Screening. He was unhappy because his wife had gone through this and they had advised her that her bone density was not good but more extensive testing by her own doctor showed it was fine. He then told of a friend that also had it done and was told the same thing. Her doctor then put her on Fosamax and had her testing only to find out her density was fine. The gentleman writer more or less told you that you were off base for recommending these screenings.
The fact is, he is the one off base. The tests are exactly what they say they are, “screening tests”.
I want you and this gentleman to know that these tests can be life saving screenings. In a group of five friends that had these screenings at different locations and times, three were saved by them. One had a serious aneurysm that was discovered and was notified immediately. He was advised to see his doctor who ran additional tests and performed surgery at once. Another friend’s screening showed a severely blocked carotid artery and was again immediately notified and sent to her doctor. After additional tests, she had to have surgery as well. The third friend had a different situation for which he was alerted and sent to his doctor. Thankfully he did not need surgery but is now on medication to control the condition.
I would say that three out of five success stores is a pretty good recommendation for this type of preventive and cost effective health care.
DEAR READER:
In this case I must agree with you. At least two of your friends certainly appear to have been saved from potentially fatal conditions.
To date I have continued to receive more negative comments about these screenings than positive, but the bad experiences are primarily based around the osteoporosis screenings.
I believe that Life Line Screening is a personal choice. It is indeed cost effective, especially for those with little or no health insurance but in some instances can lead to unnecessary additional testing. I would recommend individuals avoid the bone density scans available through this company and opt for the more expensive but more accurate hospital based bone density study. The other screenings, as long as they are performed by competent well trained individuals, preferably nurses, PAs or other medical personnel, are an appropriate option.
Thank you for writing to share your story and I hope it will help others to make better informed decisions about this service.
Because you mentioned carotid artery blockage, I am giving you a copy of my Health Report “Coronary Artery Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott