Prenuvo, a pioneer in whole-body imaging, recently opened its first location in River Oaks. The new clinic provides Houstonians easy access to scans that detect over 500 conditions, including most solid tumors, which can be detected as early as stage 1, aneurysms, cysts, and more.
We sat down with Dr. Daniel J. Durand, Prenuvo's Chief Medical Officer, to discuss scans and what Houston clients can expect from a Prenuvo experience.
What types of clients do you see at Prenuvo?
Patients seek Prenuvo scans for two primary reasons. The first group consists of individuals who are generally healthy and want to take a proactive approach to monitor their health to stay ahead of potential health issues before they worsen. The second group includes patients with more specific concerns, such as a family history of cancer, dementia, or other serious conditions. Prenuvo's full-body scans offer early detection of asymptomatic conditions like cancer or aneurysms.
Can Prenuvo detect dementia?
Prenuvo can detect early signs of dementia through MRI scans that show brain volume loss or white matter disease. White matter disease can be associated with multiple conditions, including dementia. While the scans may indicate early dementia signs, further evaluation by a specialist, such as a neurologist, is required for a definitive diagnosis.
How do you address concerns about full-body scans and false positives?
The issue of false positives from scans is complex, and opinions vary in the medical field. Prenuvo acknowledges that screening, in general, can be a divisive topic, with experts often disagreeing on recommendations. However, Prenuvo emphasizes that its goal is to provide solutions to help people proactively manage their health, particularly with early detection of conditions like cancer. The company believes that early screening can ultimately save lives despite concerns about false positives.
What will someone experience when they schedule a scan with Prenuvo?
Patients can book online, be referred, or call directly. Afterward, they receive information about what the scan can and cannot detect, followed by completing a medical intake form. A nurse practitioner reviews this to ensure the scan is suitable.
On scan day, patients complete an MRI safety questionnaire to confirm there's no risk of metal interference. They change into scrubs in a private room and enter the MRI suite, where a technologist explains the process. The scan is done using a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, developed with 18 years of refinement. It lasts around 40 minutes, and patients can listen to music or watch Netflix during the procedure through a unique mirror system. Results are delivered via an app within 3-5 business days, with options for consultations if needed.
Will the cost of Prenuvo and similar services come down?
Prenuvo aims to lower the cost of its services in the future. To achieve this, Prenuvo would need to improve scanning efficiency or increase the volume of scans. Expanding to more centers could allow it to spread out fixed costs and lower prices for patients.
Though the current cost is an out-of-pocket expense, it is relatively affordable when compared to similar services covered by insurance. A single MRI scan for a specific body part in the U.S. can cost more than $2,500, whereas Prenuvo offers comprehensive scans at a transparent, published price. Patients can also use FSA or HSA accounts to cover the cost. While some prefer insurance-covered scans, Prenuvo's transparent pricing ensures patients know precisely what they're paying for and receive a valuable, high-quality service. prenuvo.com