Medical Scan Delays Linked to Negative Health Outcomes for 77% of Irish Patients

New research* reveals a concerning trend in Ireland: lengthy wait times for diagnostic imaging scans are taking a toll on patients' health and well-being. A staggering 77% of those surveyed who experienced delays reported negative consequences for their treatment and overall well-being.

The study, commissioned by laya healthcare, found that 31% of people have waited too long for a scan in the past 24 months. These delays are fuelling anxiety, with 49% of respondents feeling anxious while waiting for scans, and 16% reporting severe anxiety. The research also highlighted the prevalence of prolonged wait times, with 23% waiting over a month for a scan and 12% facing similar delays for results.

In response to these issues, laya healthcare has committed to improving access to diagnostics for all and now offers fast access to diagnostic imaging scans with results in just two days in all Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinics nationwide. 

Key Insights from research:

• Extended wait times: Nearly half (46%) of people waited over two weeks for a scan, with 23% waiting over a month.
• Regional disparities: Wait times vary across the country, with 26% of people in Munster and the rest of Leinster waiting over a month for scans, compared to 20% in Dublin, Connaught, and Ulster.
• Delayed results: Over half (51%) of people waited over seven days for their scan results, with 29% receiving results up to two weeks later and 12% waiting up to a month. 4% of respondents never received any results from their scan.
• Spending revealed: The average spend on scans in the past 24 months was €192, with 30% of people spending over €200 on scans and 16% spending over €400.

Adding to the stress, almost half of those surveyed (49%) turned to the internet to self-diagnose while waiting, with the majority relying on Google (86%). Worryingly, only 1 in 10 considered the information they found online to be completely accurate.

"No one should have to endure weeks or months of anxiety and uncertainty waiting for a scan," said John McCall, Director of Claims and Provider Relations at laya healthcare. "We're committed to providing faster access to diagnostics, enabling quicker diagnoses and treatment plans so people can get back to their lives."

Laya healthcare has recently opened a new Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinic in Cork and expanded the state-of-the-art Laya Health & Wellbeing Clinic in Cherrywood in Dublin making it the fastest growing urgent care network in Ireland. Laya healthcare is now part of AXA insurance, the number one insurer in Ireland and the number one health insurer in Europe.