JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new medical screening center in Jacksonville is offering free heart scans to help residents learn more about their heart health.
J. Thomas Graham, founder and CEO of Life Imaging Florida, spoke with Kristine Bellino on In Depth about the company’s new Jacksonville location and how its screening technology works.
The company uses CT scans to look for possible health problems, including signs of heart disease and certain cancers, before symptoms appear.
How do the scans work?
According to Graham, Life Imaging Florida offers several types of screenings, including heart scans, full-body scans, brain scans, and virtual colonography.
The heart scan looks for calcium buildup in the arteries, which can be a sign of heart disease. The American Heart Association explains that a coronary artery calcium test can help doctors better understand a person’s risk of heart disease.
The full-body scan examines areas such as the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Graham said the scans can identify certain health problems, including lung nodules, kidney stones, aneurysms, and possible signs of cancer.
“There’s some things that we just can’t see,” Graham explained, noting that the technology cannot detect every type of cancer or disease.
The company uses low-dose CT scanners. Graham said a heart scan takes about four to five minutes, while a full-body scan takes approximately six to seven minutes.
Patients can keep their clothes on during the procedure, and no needles or contrast dyes are required for these scans.
Results are reviewed by board-certified radiologists and are generally available within 24 to 48 hours, according to Graham.
Why are the heart scans free?
During the interview, Bellino asked Graham how the company can offer free heart scans.
Graham explained that Life Imaging Florida uses research funding to help cover the cost.
He said patients can receive a free heart scan without purchasing any additional services.
However, the company also offers paid screenings, including full-body scans.
According to Graham, about 60% of patients choose to purchase a full-body scan after coming in for their free heart screening.
He also explained that the company does not accept health insurance for these preventive screenings.
A personal reason behind the business
Graham shared that his interest in early detection began after losing both of his parents to cancer.
After learning about the technology, he traveled outside Florida to receive his own screening.
He said the experience gave him peace of mind and encouraged him to make the service available to more people.
Graham also shared stories of patients whose scans identified serious medical conditions.
One involved a retired teacher who came in because of a family history of heart disease. Although her heart scan showed no major concerns, Graham said her full-body scan found a tumor in her lung.
Another involved a former special forces member whose scan reportedly found a cancerous tumor in his kidney.
These cases were described by Graham during the interview.
New Jacksonville location already seeing patients
Graham said the Jacksonville facility had received more than 500 appointments shortly after opening.
He also reported that the center had already identified three cases involving potentially serious health concerns during its first few days.
Life Imaging Florida operates other locations in Florida, including South Florida and the Orlando area.
Graham said the company hopes to work with more first responders, military members, and local organizations.
Who can get screened?
Graham said the company’s screenings are generally intended for adults between 30 and 75 years old.
Patients must answer a few health-related questions before scheduling their appointments.
Pregnant women should not undergo these CT screenings because they involve radiation.
Although the company describes its scanners as low-dose, CT scans still expose patients to radiation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that routine full-body CT screening is not generally recommended for healthy people without symptoms because its benefits have not been established. The scans can also lead to unnecessary follow-up testing.
Anyone considering a screening should speak with a healthcare professional about their personal risk factors and whether the test is appropriate.
How to schedule an appointment
Jacksonville residents interested in learning more about Life Imaging Florida can visit the company’s Jacksonville website.
The facility is listed at 9965 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32257.
Residents can also call #250 from their cellphone and say “free heart scan” to speak with a representative.
Graham said patients can ask questions, learn about the different screenings, and schedule an appointment.
He also encouraged patients to share their screening results with their primary care doctors.
The company says its goal is to help people better understand their health and identify possible problems earlier.
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