Need a Deal on MRI or CT Scan? Grab a Coupon

If you needed any more proof that consumers are getting more aggressive in finding ways to lower their health care costs, look no further than the growing presence of Groupon and MDsave in offering coupons and vouchers for health care tests.

Groupon discounts have been turning up in Atlanta, Oklahoma and California for various lung, heart and full-body scans, according to a recent Kaiser Health News report. Groupon also offers discount coupons for expectant parents who want ultrasounds as “fetal memories” keepsakes.

MDsave sells vouchers that are good at more than 250 hospitals across the country for anything from MRIs to back surgery. A company official says they’re merely applying e-commerce and engineering concepts that have been applied in other fields outside of health care.

The coupon concept for discount health tests isn’t new. It’s been tried before. But the growing breadth of offers and apparent willingness of consumers to seek out these deals speaks to the rising tide of consumerism in health care and patients finding ways to combat rising out-of-pocket costs.