Medical facilities use bone scintigraphy, which is otherwise known as a bone scan, to reveal abnormalities within the bone metabolism system. A bone scan conducts its examination through blood-based injection of radioactive tracer to detect elevated and reduced metabolisms in bones so that medical personnel can identify various bone disorders such as broken bones, infections, and bone cancer metastasis. The increase in bone diseases throughout India requires a complete understanding of the expenses and determinants related to bone scans because patients and physicians need this knowledge. This guide provides details about the Bone scan cost in India, along with influencing variables and recommended healthcare institutions.
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Table of Contents
Understanding the Bone Scan Procedure
Several steps make up the total bone scan procedure, which includes:
1. Injection Of Radioactive Tracer: The process starts with an injection into a venous vessel of the arm, where a minimal radioactive substance enters the body. Radioactive material spreads across the bloodstream before moving to bones, while it gathers in active metabolic areas.
2. Waiting Period: There exists a necessary waiting time of 2 to 4 hours following the injection to enable radioactive tracer absorption into bones. The patient receives direction to consume lots of fluids during this period because it assists in removing any tracer that remains unabsorbed.
3. Imaging: Imaging occurs while the patient stays motionless on the scanning table as the tracer emits radiation, which enables image creation of the skeletal structures. The imaging process needs a duration of 30 to 60 minutes.
4. Post-Procedure: The radioactive tracer’s natural decay leads to its radioactivity reduction while the body eliminates the substance through urine and stool within 24 hours after the procedure.
Bone Scan Cost in India
The bone scan cost in India and its healthcare facilities varies depending on city location, combined with healthcare provider type and diagnosis-specific protocol criteria. Here’s a brief overview of the costs:
1. Minimum Cost: ₹3,000
- The minimum cost exists in government hospitals and smaller cities that receive public healthcare subsidy benefits.
2. Average Cost: ₹4,000 to ₹10,000
- Private diagnostic centres and hospitals operating in urban areas provide bone scans at this range, depending on the differences in facility standards and equipment quality, plus any related services included.
3. Maximum Cost: ₹15,000
- The price levels at premium healthcare locations with specialized imaging technology and extended services usually extend to this amount.
Breakdown of Bone Scan Cost in India
The total cost of a bone scan encompasses various components:
| Cost Component | Which May Include | Cost Range (₹) |
| Pre-Procedure Costs | Consultation Fees, Routine Blood Tests, & Preparatory Procedures | ₹500 – 2,000 |
| Procedure Cost | Radioactive Tracer, Imaging | ₹3,000 – 10,000 |
| Post-Procedure Costs | Follow-up Consultations, Medications | ₹500 – 2,000 |
- Typically, bone scans are outpatient procedures, so hospitalization isn’t usually required.
Different Types of Bone Scans in India
Different types of bone scans serve various diagnostic purposes:
1. Whole-Body Bone Scan
- Procedure: Evaluates the entire skeleton to detect abnormalities.
- Benefits: Comprehensive assessment, useful for detecting widespread conditions like metastatic cancer.
- Disadvantages: May not provide detailed images of specific areas.
- Estimated Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹10,000
2. Three-Phase Bone Scan
- Procedure: Involves three sets of images taken at different times to assess blood flow, blood pool, and delayed images.
- Benefits: Helps differentiate between bone infections and other conditions.
- Disadvantages: Longer procedure time.
- Estimated Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹12,000
3. SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) Scan
- Procedure: Provides 3D images by rotating the gamma camera around the patient.
- Benefits: Offers detailed images, beneficial for detecting small or deep bone abnormalities.
- Disadvantages: Higher cost and longer duration.
- Estimated Cost: ₹6,000 – ₹15,000
Factors Affecting Bone Scan Cost in India
1. Geographical Location
- Medical procedures, together with bone scans, possess different pricing structures depending on the region within India.
- Living expenses in metropolitan areas produce higher medical costs than those in less populated towns.
- The price of bone scanning in Mumbai city stands at ₹7,000, whereas the cost in Hyderabad healthcare facilities ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹9,000.
2. Type Of Healthcare Facility
- The expenses of medical care are defined within the context of the hospital framework.
- Existing private hospitals, along with specialized diagnostic centers that implement advanced medical technology, tend to set higher fees than both public and non-profit healthcare facilities.
- The rate of service may increase if a healthcare facility maintains an accredited status, together with a positive reputation.
3. Radiotracer Used
- The procedure of bone scanning requires testing materials containing radioactive elements to identify potential bone issues.
- The true nature of radiotracer components will dictate the total financial expenditure.
- Better tracers with enhanced imaging capabilities tend to raise the overall costs to buyers.
4. Type Of Bone Scan
The price of bone scan procedures varies based on the specific procedure type because different scans have distinct goals and expenses.
A. Whole-Body Bone Scan
B. Three-Phase Bone Scan
C. SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography)
The choice of scan depends on the patient’s medical condition and the physician’s recommendation.
5. Equipment & Technology
- The high fees in facilities that utilize modern imaging equipment stem from their ability to perform superior diagnostic tests.
- The expense of sophisticated machines becomes justified because they deliver precise examination results.
6. Health Insurance Coverage
- Specific health insurance policies will either fully reimburse or partially cover bone scan bills for their patients.
- Patients need to check their insurance policy details precisely with their provider before receiving coverage benefits for their out-of-pocket expenses.
7. Additional Diagnostic Procedures
- The addition of SPECT or CT scan supplement tests to a bone scan procedure leads to increased total medical expenses.
- Supplementary diagnostic methods deliver extensive diagnostic data at the cost of generating higher expenses.
8. Patient’s Medical Condition
- Procedures performed on patients with complicated medical backgrounds and patients needing specific care will result in increased costs to medical facilities.
- The implementation of supplemental precautions, together with prolonged monitoring and specialized staff assistance, causes expenses to rise.
City-Wise Cost Estimate in India
Bone scan costs can vary significantly across different Indian cities due to factors like local economic conditions, healthcare infrastructure, and demand. Here’s a comparative overview:
| City | Minimum Cost (₹) | Average Cost (₹) | Maximum Cost (₹) |
| Mumbai | ₹4,000 | ₹6,000 | ₹15,000 |
| Delhi | ₹4,200 | ₹5,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹3,000 | ₹6,000 | ₹9,000 |
| Ahmedabad | ₹4,700 | ₹5,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹6,300 | ₹7,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Chennai | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹3,000 |
| Bengaluru | ₹5,000 | ₹5,500 | ₹8,000 |
Note: Prices are estimates & may vary based on different factors.
Find city-specific price variations for surgeries and tests in our Comprehensive Guide to Treatment & Surgery Costs in India.
10 Best Hospitals for Bone Scans in India
Here is a curated list of the top 10 hospitals in India, focusing on their expertise in Bone scan procedures:
1. Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
- Established Year: 1941
- History: Tata Memorial Hospital is a premier cancer treatment and research centre in India, dedicated to comprehensive cancer care.
- Achievements In Bone Scan Procedures: The hospital employs advanced nuclear imaging techniques for accurate bone scans, aiding in the detection and monitoring of bone-related cancers.
- Milestones: Pioneered the integration of PET-CT scans in oncology diagnostics within India.
- Innovations: Developed patient-specific imaging protocols to enhance diagnostic precision in bone scans.
- Accreditations: Certified by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
- Awards & Recognitions: Consistently ranked among the top cancer hospitals globally.
2. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
- Established Year: 1900
- History: CMC Vellore is a renowned medical institution known for its dedication to patient care, education, and research.
- Achievements In Bone Scan Procedures: Offers comprehensive bone scintigraphy services for diagnosing various bone pathologies.
- Milestones: Introduced advanced SPECT imaging for enhanced bone scan accuracy.
- Innovations: Implemented hybrid imaging techniques combining CT and nuclear medicine for detailed bone assessments.
- Accreditations: Accredited by NABH and recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
- Awards & Recognitions: Awarded for excellence in medical education and patient care services.
3. Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
- Established Year: 1983
- History: Founded by Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Apollo Hospitals is a pioneer in private healthcare in India.
- Achievements In Bone Scan Procedures: Provides state-of-the-art bone scan services utilizing the latest nuclear medicine technologies.
- Milestones: Established one of the first comprehensive nuclear medicine departments in the private sector.
- Innovations: Adopted AI-driven image analysis to improve bone scan interpretations.
- Accreditations: Certified by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) & Joint Commission International (JCI)
- Awards & Recognitions: Recognized among the top hospitals for diagnostic imaging services in India.
4. Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
- Established Year: 2012
- History: Fortis Memorial Research Institute is a multi-speciality hospital offering advanced medical services.
- Achievements In Bone Scan Procedures: Equipped with cutting-edge nuclear medicine facilities for precise bone imaging.
- Milestones: Implemented advanced bone densitometry techniques for osteoporosis assessment.
- Innovations: Integrated PET-MRI technology for comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluations.
- Accreditations: JCI and NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Received accolades for excellence in patient care and diagnostic services.
5. Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
- Established Year: 2006
- History: Max Super Speciality Hospital is a leading healthcare provider in India, known for its comprehensive medical services.
- Achievements In Bone Scan Procedures: Offers advanced bone scan imaging for accurate diagnosis of bone disorders.
- Milestones: Developed specialized protocols for early detection of metastatic bone disease.
- Innovations: Utilizes hybrid imaging techniques combining SPECT and CT for enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
- Accreditations: JCI and NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Consistently ranked among the top hospitals for oncology and diagnostic services.
6. Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad
- Established Year: 1989
- History: Yashoda Hospitals is a prominent healthcare institution offering a wide range of medical services.
- Achievements In Bone Scan Procedures: Provides comprehensive bone scan services for detecting various bone conditions.
- Milestones: Introduced advanced nuclear imaging techniques for bone metastasis detection.
- Innovations: Implemented patient-specific imaging protocols to enhance diagnostic outcomes.
- Accreditations: NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Recognized for excellence in diagnostic imaging and patient care.
7. Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai
- Established Year: 1973
- History: Jaslok Hospital is a prominent multi-speciality hospital in Mumbai, offering a wide range of advanced medical services.
- Achievements In Bone Scan Procedures: The Department of Nuclear Medicine provides comprehensive bone scan diagnostics, aiding in the detection of various bone-related conditions.
- Milestones: Pioneered the use of advanced nuclear imaging techniques in Mumbai for bone diagnostics.
- Innovations: Integrated hybrid imaging modalities to enhance the accuracy of bone scans.
- Accreditations: Certified by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
- Awards & Recognitions: Recognized for excellence in nuclear medicine and diagnostic imaging services.
8. Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai
- Established Year: 1950
- History: Nanavati Max Hospital has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Mumbai, providing comprehensive medical services across various specialities.
- Achievements In Bone Scan Procedures: Offers advanced bone scan services for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of bone diseases.
- Milestones: Developed specialized protocols for early detection of bone metastases in cancer patients.
- Innovations: Implemented state-of-the-art imaging technologies to improve bone scan accuracy.
- Accreditations: NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Consistently ranked among Mumbai’s top hospitals for oncology and diagnostic services.
9. Aster Medcity, Kochi
- Established Year: 2015
- History: Aster Medcity is a quaternary care healthcare centre in Kochi, known for its advanced medical technology and patient-centric approach.
- Achievements In Bone Scan Procedures: Equipped with state-of-the-art nuclear medicine facilities for precise bone imaging.
- Milestones: Introduced advanced imaging techniques for comprehensive bone assessments in Kerala.
- Innovations: Adopted hybrid imaging technologies to enhance diagnostic accuracy in bone scans.
- Accreditations: NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Recognized for excellence in patient care and diagnostic imaging services.
10. Parvathy Hospital, Chennai
- Established Year: 1992
- History: Parvathy Hospital is a multi-specialty institution in Chennai, specializing in bone and joint care.
- Achievements In Bone Scan Procedures: Offers comprehensive bone scan services to diagnose various orthopaedic conditions.
- Milestones: Achieved recognition for advanced orthopaedic diagnostics and treatments in the region.
- Innovations: Implemented patient-specific imaging protocols to enhance diagnostic precision in bone scans.
- Accreditations: Fully accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
- Awards & Recognitions: Awarded for excellence in orthopaedic care and diagnostic services.
Conclusion
Bone scans are invaluable diagnostic tools that assist in the early detection and management of various bone-related conditions. In India, the cost of these scans is relatively affordable compared to countries like the UK and the USA. However, prices can vary based on factors such as location, type of healthcare facility, and additional services. Patients need to consult with healthcare providers to understand the specific costs involved and ensure they receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate care.
Bone scans play a crucial role in diagnosing various bone-related conditions, and while the test itself isn’t too costly, associated medical expenses can sometimes be challenging. Crowdfunding provides an opportunity to gather financial support, helping cover medical costs without financial strain.
FAQs Related to Bone Scan Costs
1. How Much Does A Bone Scan Cost In India?
Various factors determine the complete range of bone scan costs, which fall within ₹4,000 to ₹10,000.
Explore the typical price range for different medical procedures and tests with insights from our Comprehensive Guide to Treatment & Surgery Costs in India.
2. Why Do Bone Scan Costs Vary Across Different Cities In India?
Various elements, combining the economic status of the area with healthcare infrastructure standards, plus market demand segments, determine exactly how prices for these scans alter.
3. Are Bone Scans Covered By Health Insurance In India?
The diagnostic procedure of bone scans gets covered by health insurance payments when patients contact their insurance providers first.
4. How Much Does A Bone Scan Cost In India, Compared To That In The UK?
The prices of bone scans in India fall below those in the United Kingdom, with ranges between £275 to £330, equivalent to ₹27,500 to ₹33,000.
5. What Factors Can Increase The Cost Of A Bone Scan?
The complete cost of a bone scan rises from advanced diagnostic imaging services combined with specialist evaluation and extra laboratory testing.
6. How Should I Prepare For A Bone Scan?
No particular steps need to be taken in preparation for bone scan procedures. Conservative activities, including eating, drinking and taking medications, remain suitable if your health provider does not specify otherwise.
7. Is A Bone Scan Safe?
Yes, the procedure for bone scans contains safe components. The tracer material used for diagnostics is administered in tiny amounts, while negative reactions occur only infrequently. Standard X-ray exposure levels are higher than the radiation exposure during this procedure.
8. What Should I Expect During The Waiting Period After The Tracer Injection?
Your bones need between two to four hours following the tracer injection for the tracer to circulate and absorb. The facility protocol determines whether you can leave the centre or not, but drinking plenty of water helps remove any tracer which does not absorb during the waiting period.
9. Are There Any Side Effects Associated With A Bone Scan?
A bone scan causes minimal adverse reactions in patients who undergo the procedure. Although the procedure involves mild discomfort and traces of a rare cause of allergic reactions can occur. The medical personnel may instruct you to drink plenty of fluids after the scan to remove the tracer through your urine.
10. How Long Does It Take To Get The Results Of A Bone Scan?
Laboratories provide results at different time intervals to patients. A radiologist reviews the obtained images before sending a report to your referring doctor, who will reach you in a few days. After your doctor examines the results, they will provide you with both the conclusion and specify the required additional steps.
