Health · Advice & Questions · Oct 16

Can I decline a birthday voucher for a full-body CT scan without dismissing the gift?

Health

My sister's birthday envelope contained a $350 voucher for a full-body CT scan. "I'd rather buy you peace of mind than another handbag," she said.

Our uncle's recent illness has frightened her. I have no symptoms that prompted this purchase, and a clinician has not recommended the scan. I had assumed a scan sold as a health check was simply a more thorough check-up until I looked into it.

[The FDA says whole-body CT screening in people without symptoms has not been shown to provide more benefit than harm and advises discussing risks and benefits with a physician](https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-x-ray-imaging/full-body-ct-scans-what-you-need-know). That is different from a CT ordered to investigate a medical concern.

My sister has kept the receipt but says asking about a refund would make her feel foolish. I want to thank her for caring without using the voucher merely because it is paid for.

How do I separate the gift from the medical decision, especially when she hears hesitation as not taking our uncle's illness seriously?

Discussion

2 community replies

@northstar88

Start with the fear behind the envelope: "I know Uncle's illness has made you want to protect me." Then say you want any screening decision based on what is appropriate for you, discussed with your clinician. The gift does not need to become evidence that the scan is needed.

@softfocus

A paid voucher is not a medical indication. The [FDA distinguishes useful diagnostic CT from whole-body screening without symptoms and discusses radiation and unnecessary follow-up testing](https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-x-ray-imaging/full-body-ct-scans-what-you-need-know). That caution is specific; it is not an argument that all CT scans are bad.

Can I decline a birthday voucher for a full-body CT scan without dismissing the gift?

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