Quantum Polyclinic, an independent community diagnostic centre in Knocknacarra, Galway, has secured approved provider status with Vhi Healthcare, Level Health and Garda Medical Aid. The approval means more insured patients can access MRI, ultrasound and cardiology services locally, while the clinic remains open to uninsured patients through self-pay options.

Eligible Vhi members can access fully covered MRI scans, subject to their individual plan, and the centre is an approved Vhi Pay and Claim centre for ultrasound and cardiology services. Eligible Level Health and Garda Medical Aid members can access covered diagnostic services in line with their plan or scheme benefits.

Services include MRI, diagnostic ultrasound, echocardiography, ECG, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring and Holter monitoring, with online booking, rapid appointments and reports issued within 24 hours. Competitively priced self-pay options are available across the diagnostic services.

Quantum Polyclinic is based on Ballymoneen Road in west Galway city, where its first polyclinic serves a local population of about 22,000, with further polyclinics planned nationwide. The clinic has invested in AI-assisted imaging, and turnover and EBITDA have not been published.

Managing director Mark Sheehan spent almost two decades working alongside his father at the Galway Clinic, and Dr James Sheehan serves as medical director, shaping clinical standards and negotiating with Ireland’s major health insurers.

Sheehan described the approval as a “hugely significant milestone” that “reflects the progress we have made since opening”.

“These partnerships will allow more patients to access the diagnostic care they need quickly and closer to home,” Sheehan said.

The structural driver is insurer approval, which gives a standalone community diagnostic centre a route to insured patient volumes while self-pay pricing keeps the service open to uninsured patients.

“Our focus is simple: rapid access, timely results and a professional, patient-centred experience from referral through to diagnosis,” Sheehan added.

For the sector, the approvals show independent community diagnostic centres winning insurer recognition outside the main hospital groups.

Source: advertiser.ie / quantumpolyclinic.ie