A record number of private diagnostic scans and tests were delivered last year as patients seek speed of service and convenience.
More than 1.1 million private tests and scans were delivered in 2024 – double-digit growth on last year according to the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN).
The key draw is fast diagnosis. IHPN’s latest report shows that the ability to offer scans and tests within 48 hours is hugely important for patients. At the same time, the ability to choose the time and location of their test or scan, with many being able to find appointments near their workplace rather than home, is particularly attractive to younger and working age people.
“Going private for vital scans and tests is becoming increasingly normalised, with speedy access to appointments and the ability to receive results often within 48 hours a key attraction for patients looking for much-needed peace of mind and value for money,” said David Hare, chief executive of the IHPN.
Positive outlook
The results of the report bolster those published earlier this month which suggested that independent healthcare providers are anticipating strong growth in their private pay markets in the coming year.
Almost three-quarters of providers (74%) said that they are “positive” or “very positive” about the private medical insurance (PMI) market, while almost two-thirds (62%) say that they feel “positive” or “very positive” about the self-pay market.
The optimism has been driven by the record numbers of people using private healthcare with the numbers of people currently covered by PMI, mostly via their employers, at levels not seen since before the 2008 financial crash.
