New IHPN analysis shows over 1.1m private diagnostic scans & tests delivered last year

New IHPN analysis published today has found that over 1.1million private tests and scans were delivered in 2024. This represents double digit growth in the last year with some of our members experiencing 20%+ increases in demand.

IHPN’s new report “Going Private – Diagnostics” uses data from the largest providers of diagnostics services in the country and looks at the current growth in demand for diagnostic tests and scans.

Analysis from providers found that fast access is unsurprisingly the key draw with private diagnostics providers able to:

• Offer scans and tests within 48 hrs, with the results made available in a similar timeframe – hugely important for patients in giving them much needed piece of mind
• Give patients 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 which is particularly attractive to younger and working age people (who in some providers make up around 80% of their customer base).

The relatively accessible price point of many diagnostics is also a key driver:

• MRI scans, ultrasounds and echocardiograms can generally be purchased for under £500, with the price for an ultrasound as little as £150. CT scans are typically priced at between £500 and £1,000.

These findings echo the results of IHPN’s “Going Private” research published last year which found that over one third (35%) of people who have used private healthcare care did so to get diagnostic care such as a scan, rising to 41% of 45-54 year olds.

David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) said:

“This latest research from IHPN shows that “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.

“This is particularly the case for younger people, who are accustomed to high quality, convenient and personalised services in many other aspects of their lives, and hugely benefit from the increasing number of private diagnostics services available near their homes and workplaces.”