Stroke screenings: Buyers, beware

As a retired hospital executive of 40 years, I cringe when I see the LifeLine pink flyer for “stroke” screening fall out of The Press every so often, touting “stay stroke free” by availing yourself of these ultrasound screenings for the “discounted” price of $149.

In the nine or 10 communities I have practiced in, this for-profit company routinely plies its screening events across the country with fear-based appeals to unknowing community members with the primary goal of making money. There are a few things to be aware of and consider before you elect to participate in these types of screenings.

1) The credentials of the screening technicians are unknown. Often these folks are hired just for this purpose and trained by who knows on the use of the ultrasound equipment. Almost always, there are no registered nurses or certified ultrasound/imaging technologists involved. Ask for the training and certification of your technician.

2) Local physicians are not involved with or sanction this screening.

3) If you receive a letter with results that are considered “abnormal,” you will be directed to see your primary care physician anyway. There is a good chance that the ultrasound examinations will have to be repeated. The company provides no other follow up.

4) Read the fine print of the flyer. There is no information about the credentials of the technicians, make and model of equipment used, or guarantees that these procedures will identify risk or prevent stroke. In a few states — Texas for example — a local physician must give a prior authorization for you to even participate.

5) Insurance companies including Medicare don’t cover this screening activity. Insurance companies usually do cover various screening procedures that are deemed legitimate. It’s “cash on the barrelhead” with the LifeLine company.

In my opinion, nothing takes the place of a relationship with your own personal, private physician or provider. Ask about your risk of stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis and diabetes during your regular wellness visits. If you are worried now, schedule an appointment. Even ask about the need for screening examinations. This will allow you to make an informed decision about choices you may take to safeguard your health. Various screening tools do have their place and best utilized in collaboration with your primary care provider.

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Rick Palagi is a Hayden resident.