I have gone to them several times when they are in the area. It is inexpensive compared to other faciities. It is fast and you go from one procedure to another in about an hour, if you do a full screening. The report that is mailed to you is very valuable. If you list your primary doctor, they will send the report to his/her office. I usually just take it in the next time I see my doctor.
The personnel are very nice, but you don't sit down and talk with them for a long period of time, like you would with your doctor. They have always been courteous and helpful, but they are there to do the test and move you along.
The main reason I use Lifeline is because for the low cost I can get so many tests that would cost way more if you asked for them to be done by your doctor, who would have to send you out for the various procedures. And I use it as an interim medical checkup. I don't use it instead of my yearly doctor visit.
I usually get the following checked: bone mineral density, cardio, carotid artery disease screening, high cholestorol, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease screening, diabetes screening, etc.
You don't have to disrobe, just ensure you wear clothes that allow them to access areas with their equipment. For instance, if you are having your heart checked, they need to attach all those little diods (not sure if that is the correct word) to your chest. And if you do the artery check, they need to attach those to various parts of your body on the veins (feet, legs, neck, arm). So I just wear very comfortable loose clothing, nothing binding.
I felt everything was handled discreetly, with screens in between people having tests. It did, however, remind me of a hospital ward......big open room with many screened areas. If it is your first time, they will have you come in early to fill out paperwork and then you wait for your turn. It goes quite qucikly. You can schedule online too.
In our area they charge around $99 on up, depending upon what you want done. I find that if I don't respond to their first mailing, they come back in a few weeks and offer it for a lower amount. Someone I know got the same things done that I did. They responded to the first email and it cost them $189; but I waited and finally got it for $99. Of course, by waiting you might not get a convenient time to go. They are usually only at one place for one day. They may go to another town nearby the next day, but just for the day again.
I paid out of pocket and claimed it on my tax returns as a medical expense.
The report that is mailed to you gives you so much information and they keep that on file. So the next time they come around, usually yearly, they tell you what tests they feel you should take, based upon what you had in the past and what the results were.
My doctor likes the report too because he only sees me once a year and he can see how I am doing throughout the year without me coming into the office and him having to order a bunch of tests.
I have gone to various types of places to have this done. Sometimes they use a ballroom in a hotel, I've gone to a church recreation room to have it done, etc. It's not a medical facility you go to; however, they are very clean, change their surgical gloves after each person, and if you have to lie down for a procedure, the table top (paper) is changed.
Hope this helps!
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