Before we get started, make sure you’re subscribed to my podcast, We Gotta Talk, so you can hear the two episodes I’m doing on my Prenuvo scan as soon as they come out! The link to Apple Podcasts is here, and Spotify is here.

My Honest Review of the Prenuvo Scan

I’m riding the Brightline train back from Boca Raton to Orlando right after my first Prenuvo scan, and with the experience fresh on my mind, I want to share with you all my thoughts on the experience because this is something I imagine will be blowing up in popularity over the coming years!

What is Prenuvo?

Prenuvo is a company that provides MRI imaging to individuals, no prescription from a doctor required.

This is a no-contrast, closed MRI. There’s no radiation, and your imaging will be done in under an hour.

How Much Does Prenuvo Cost, and Is It Covered by Insurance?

The cost for a scan varies. Whole body scans cost $2499, while head and torso cost $1799 and torso only costs $999.

While it’s typically not covered by insurance, each person’s coverage differs. So it’s your decision whether or not to run it through your company. They do, however, accept HSA funds. So, if you have some money in your account, you can use it for this!

Why Would I Want to Do Prenuvo? Should I Try It?

As with any voluntary procedure, of course you don’t need to do an MRI body scan without a doctor’s orders. So you might be wondering why I, and so many others, chose to do it.

I’ve discussed before on my podcast how I believe preventive care is the way of the future when it comes to our health.

The reasons I feel this way are several:

1) The advent of digital information has caused everyone to become medically “curious.”

Whereas people had to rely solely on one, or several, doctors for information on symptoms or medical conditions, the internet now of course now gives us access to information about any and every medical issue you could think of.

While it’s always important to only get medical advice specific to you from a doctor who’s treated you, that doesn’t mean you can’t research symptoms or other trends and then bring them to your provider of choice.

Combine that easily-accessible information with people’s individual motivations to feel better, and now countless people are tapped into resources to treat, and diagnose (with the help of professionals, of course), their own specific set of medical concerns.

2) So many companies these days are catering to information-curious customers.

Prenuvo is just one company I’ve worked with that caters to people who are eager to track their health.

From the Dutch Test to monitor my hormones, to the Myriad test I did through my gynecologist’s office which tells you what genetic cancer markers you carry, I’ve decided to take a deeper dive into my own personal health profile. I can then bring this information back to my doctor and better track my health as I age.

In my family, there is unfortunately a history of cancer, dementia, and heart issues. So, here’s my approach to my health: gather as much information as I can, so I can do my best to keep as healthy as possible.

3) People feel let down by the American medical system.

I won’t steer this into an op-ed on the modern American medical system. But it’s safe to say that if you’re an adult with a pulse, you’ve encountered some type of issue when it comes to your health care.

From waiting weeks to get a referral, to dealing with a doctor who just ignores your symptoms, to seeing practitioners who won’t spend enough time to truly answer your questions and concerns, the medical system is far from perfect.

I have dense breast tissue. When I went in last year for my annual mammogram prescription from my GYN, I asked if they could include an order for an ultrasound too. As I inevitably end up having to go back and have something looked at that the mammogram couldn’t properly pick up. Despite me knowing this was going to happen, they didn’t include it on the order. I had to go back for an ultrasound months later, reliving all the stress that process entails.

Don’t get me wrong; doctors are amazing, and I’m grateful to have been treated by many awesome practitioners. But I’ve found there’s a lack of listening to patients, and a real need to fuel the insurance machine, that makes doctor’s appointments sometimes feel a little less than attentive.

Okay, phew! Now that I’ve gone through why I think tests like the Prenuvo scan are going to become more and more popular, let’s talk about what the actual experience was like.

How to Prepare for the Prenuvo Scan

First, you’ll book on their website or by phone. Find the location that’s closest to you. For me, it was Boca Raton, FL.

By the way, if you’re in Florida and use this Prenuvo location, it’s a literal five-minute walk from the Brightline train station! This made things so easy. I walked right off the train and into the office.

The day of your scan, you have to fast for four hours prior to your procedure. So, there’s nothing in your system that can occlude the imaging. Stick with clear liquids like water or black coffee until you’re done with your scan.

Some other preparation you might want to do is consider whether or not you’ll need a mild sedative for the process itself. Prenuvo can’t arrange for you to have a sedative prescribed. However, talk to your doctor and arrange that if it’s something you need. I heard a woman going in right after me today who said she took a Dramamine. Whatever works! 😂

Before the Scan

Do your medical history paperwork online before your appointment! After you check in at the front desk, a Prenuvo staffer will walk you back to a small changing room. There’s a wooden locker with a hanging hook, a small table with a jewelry tray and spare hair ties and other needs, as well as clean scrubs.

You’ll wear the scrubs with your underwear only, I took my bra off. Then, pop on some surgical socks and head out to another small waiting room.

Each person is assigned their own radiologist, who will be running your scan and taking all the pictures. He or she will walk you into the imaging room. Then, get you all set up on the bed itself, and get your process started.

I took the opportunity to ask my amazing radiologist all sorts of questions. So, don’t hold back if you have any concerns before going in!

What’s Different About the Prenuvo Scan from Other MRIs?

Aaah, so much! While I haven’t had a regular MRI, I’ve seen plenty of rooms and talked with plenty of friends who have.

While a regular MRI is of course in a hospital or other strictly-medical space, Prenuvo goes out of its way to feel more “homey.” The lighting was low and comforting. The décor is chic and simple. Also, each machine is outfitted with a viewing screen. You can watch a streaming show, or listen to Spotify, while you’re in the tube.

I personally chose Queer Eye. If there’s a show that can lift my spirits and make my anxiety disappear, it’s that one! I was laughing so hard because my radiologist, an amazing older gentleman, had to confirm what episode I was watching and had to read title. He said, “Okay, so it’s ‘To Gay or Not Too Gay?’, right?” lol

The combination of the quick service, no waiting really at all. The décor and ambiance, the creature comforts like snacks and drinks. Also, the incredibly informative and comforting staff, it was as enjoyable of a procedure as this could ever be.

What is the Prenuvo Office Like?

I can only speak to the Boca Raton office, and it was truly great. A clean aesthetic, nice furniture, snacks and drinks at every turn!

Since you won’t have eaten before your procedure, they expect people will need a little snack when they come out, so there are stocked areas with snacks and hot tea and coffee and water.

You’ll be greeted by a receptionist who will verify your details and get the whole process started.

And as I already mentioned, the office has no clinical, sterile feel to it. It’s like a nicely-decorated home, with artwork, nice furniture and other touches that make it feel very warm.

What’s It Like Inside the Prenuvo MRI Machine?

Now, I realize I may be in the minority saying this, but I found the procedure to be weirdly relaxing.

They place a bunch of plastic bumper-type guards (NOT medical terms clearly! haha) around your body to kind of lock you into place before you start, and the effect is almost like a weighted blanket. You get the lowdown on the procedure (more on that in a moment), pop on your headphones, and go into the machine.

There are periods in the machine where you have to hold your breath, and your radiologist will prompt you when those are about to happen. You’ll hear a recorded voice saying, “Breathe in, breathe out, now hold your breath.” You hold it for a max of ten seconds—no big deal. This process is repeated several times throughout the whole scan.

You will also hear regular MRI sounds—the pounding, and what I think is a kind of a car horn type sound. They’re on the loud side, but not like they’re right next to your ear, screaming into it. The headphones actually go a long way toward muting the loud sounds, and they didn’t bother me at all. As someone who typically really dislikes loud sounds, that’s saying something.

The whole process is just under an hour, and your radiologist will pop into your headphones to tell you what they’re doing next, how much time is left, etc.

You’re also given what I jokingly called an “emergency brake.” It’s a plastic ball you can squeeze that makes a beeping sound and lets the radiologist know you have to come out of the machine right away. Only use it if it’s an emergency! Otherwise you may have to start the scan again.

What Happens After the Prenuvo MRI Scan?

When your imaging is complete, you change back into your clothes, get a quick rundown on what to expect from the Prenuvo staff, and you’re on your way!

I was told my results will be available in anywhere from 5-15 business days. I’ll get both an email link with the detailed report, as well as a phone call from Prenuvo where I’ll be connected with a doctor to review the results. If the doctor has any recommendations based on the imaging, he or she will share those so I can move on to book any potential follow-ups.

You can also download the Prenuvo app, which allows you to access your health information right on your phone.

I can’t tell you how much comfort it brings me to know that Prenuvo anticipates the emotion that comes with this test. Being able to connect with a doctor and thoroughly review my results is amazing, and solidifies the concierge feel of this experience.

Overall Thoughts on Prenuvo: Is It Worth It?

I came out of the MRI machine weirdly relaxed and feeling really grateful I was able to do it.

Not going to lie, in the week leading up to my appointment I experienced some anxiety, wondering if this was worth the worry I would inevitably feel when my report came in.

But I landed on this: I’m choosing to feel grateful for this experience and the knowledge it will give me. Of course I’m a bit anxious to see what’s going on inside my body, but what a gift it is to be given this opportunity.

I’ll report back with any updates. I’m a little nervous, guys, but I love sharing this experience with you, so thank you for being here with all your questions and support! If you have any questions you want me to answer in the short term, just shoot me a DM on Instagram or comment below!