Most cost-effectiveness assessments for screening and diagnostic exams are based on imaging costs in university health systems, not affordable exam pricing that can be made available quite widely now in employer-funded health plans.
The widespread availability of more affordable quality screening and diagnostic exams nationally — coupled with lifestyle and health changes brought on by the pandemic, and COVID-19’s disruption of cancer screenings and diagnostic imaging — have likely changed that equation. Rigorous studies clearly need to be undertaken to reassess cost-effectiveness.
