Florida Patients Can Get A $2,500 Whole Body MRI Scan That Can Detect Cancer Early

Be it through friends, family, neighbors, co-workers - everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. And it's no secret that early detection is key in recovery. That's why so many Florida residents are opting for a full body scan from diagnostic screening company Prenovu in Boca Raton, Florida. So what is the Whole Body MRI Scan?

It's a comprehensive scan that your covers your anatomy, including major organs and your spine. They're looking for tumors as small as 1 cm in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. This could provide early detection for prostate, and other pelvic cancers. They also check your head and neck for cancers or aneurysms. They check for liver disease, multiple sclerosis, and many others. Actually, more than 500 conditions. So, it's a $2,500 early detection/peace of mind. And people in Florida are lining up for the test. The Boca Raton office is booked 3 months in advance.

But so far, the insurance companies are not on board.

That's so far. Insurance companies have an interest in keeping you healthy. Insurer Florida Blue has a 'My Rewards' program where you can earn money taking steps to stay healthy. Others have programs as well. Some supplemental insurance companies will pay you to get regular screenings like mammograms. Obviously, keeping you healthy means less payouts for them. So as the technology continues to prove itself, expect the insurers to get on board.

The technology is still fairly new, however, and there are skeptics. Advisory.com cited "the American College of Radiology in April released a statement saying that there was "no documented evidence that total body screening is cost-efficient or effective in prolonging life." The organization also raised concerns that the scans could lead to "nonspecific findings" that required expensive follow-up."

Kim Kardashian and Maria Menounos have done the procedure and have endorsed it. But you'll need to do your own research to see if it's right for you. If it does detect something in an early stage, the $2,500 price tag really is nothing compared to what you could have gone through. A friend of mine died from pancreatic cancer when he just thought he was dealing with pancreatitis. There's a "what if?"

To help with pricing, the company has launched Prenuvo for Employers. Businesses can provide proactive scans to their employees as part of their health benefits packages. Employers will get preferred rates for scan packages. The program is being used for first responders in Boca. “Introducing Prenuvo to our firefighters and paramedics in Boca Raton was a no-brainer for us,” says Shaun Fix, President at Emergency Medical Consultants. “We’ve been able to roll out Prenuvo to hundreds of frontline workers so that they have a baseline knowledge of their health and can catch things before they become problems. The upside is that you know what’s happening under the skin now, versus five years later.”

Also, check with your tax advisor to see if any part of the scan is tax deductible.

A second Prenovu location will be opening in Tampa in 2024 and there's already a wait list fore those who want the scan.

With the holidays approaching, maybe you're overdue for a little one on one time. Being with friends and family is great and all, but sometimes spending time as a couple is what you really need.  A romantic getaway. Listen, it's not hard to find a great hotel or resort in Florida. The state is absolutely full of them. For those of us who live in Southwest Florida, you're probably no more than a short drive away from an amazing resort.

Last year, a few weeks before Christmas, I was fortunate enough to spend time with my girl at Fontainebleau on South Beach. Getting away, just the two of us, really helped reconnect. It really reminds you why you got with that person in the first place. You don't even have to go all the way to Miami. We had a similar experience at Tween Waters on Captiva. Just the two of us, adventuring, as we call it.

Frommer's, a travel brand started back in 1957, detailed some of the best romantic hotels and resorts in Florida. Probably not the best places to take the kids, but ideal for a couple. Several of these places are in the Florida Keys, a noted romantic destination.

Here's 9 South Florida locations that could be exactly what you're looking for in a romantic getaway.

Just off Highway 1, this underwater hotel lies 21-feet below Key Largo Undersea park, and can only be accessed by diving. So yes, you need to both be certified divers to stay here. Something you can do at the lodge. There's wifi, drinks, and snacks, and they'll bring a pizza to your underwater room. It's an interesting idea, but not cheap. The Per couple rate is $1,687.50.

Featuring it's own private beach, this is definitely a way to avoid crowds. The resort is nestled inside a tranquil botanical garden offering 14 airy rooms and suites that resemble private cottages in a secluded and dreamy paradise. It even has it's own art gallery. 

When you really want to get away, this place is on a private island accessed only by seaplane or boat. There's a no kids rule, and here's something you never thought you'd see - there's no tvs in the cottages. And since I mentioned seaplane, yes there is a seaplane that operates in season from the Naples airport. 

Want some history with your stay? The Moorings is located on an 18-acre former coconut plantation. If you watched the show Bloodlines on Netflix, you'll recognize this place. 

A beachfront, adults-only bed and breakfast just 2 blocks from the Southernmost Point Buoy. Close enough to the fun of Duval Street, but far enough away if that's not why you came. La Mer and Dewey Luxury Ocean View guest rooms are located on the first and second floor of the La Mer House and Dewey House on South Street. 

A Victorian-era hotel housed across 4 distinct buildings on Fleming Street. If you're staying in the winter, opt for the suite with the covered porch. 

Located in the in the Old Town near Duval Street, The Gardens features Plantation-style rooms, suites and cottages. Enjoy breakfast on a porch overlooking the gardens. The New York Times calls it "THE PRETTIEST HOTEL IN KEY WEST".

A far step from the party vibe normally associated with St. Pete Beach. The Island's End Resort features cottages, and not much else. There's no restaurant or bar. Just the two of you and the beach.

Studios and cottages just down from the famous Turtle Beach. Included items include beach chairs, umbrellas, gas grills, canoes, kayaks and bikes. Enjoy the beach, or hang out in the hammock at your cottage.