Cancer, a formidable adversary that affects millions worldwide, requires accurate and timely diagnosis for effective treatment. In the picturesque state of Kerala, where healthcare facilities are highly regarded, it is crucial to identify the best PET scan centers that offer cutting-edge technology and expertise. This blog aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking reliable PET scan centers in Kerala, providing valuable insights into their cost, quality, and key features.
Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is renowned for its exceptional healthcare infrastructure. However, when it comes to cancer diagnosis, choosing the right PET scan center is paramount. With the rising incidence of cancer cases in the region, it is essential to have access to accurate and reliable diagnostic services.
According to recent statistics, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Kerala, accounting for a significant percentage of overall mortality. As a result, the need for top-notch PET scan centers becomes evident, as they play a crucial role in the early detection, staging, and monitoring of cancer. To meet this pressing need, Kerala boasts several exceptional cancer hospitals that offer state-of-the-art PET scan facilities. These hospitals combine cutting-edge technology, experienced medical professionals, and a patient-centric approach to deliver the highest standard of care.
In this blog, we will delve into the top PET scan centers in Kerala, exploring their unique features, expertise, and cost factors. We will highlight their commitment to patient care, precise imaging techniques, and timely delivery of results, enabling individuals to make well-informed decisions about their healthcare.
Our comprehensive guide will cover various aspects, including the accreditation and certifications of these centers, the range of cancers they specialize in, and the advanced imaging technologies they employ. Additionally, we will discuss the cost considerations, insurance coverage, and any additional services offered by the PET scan centers, ensuring readers have a holistic understanding of the available facilities.
By equipping individuals with this knowledge, we aim to empower patients, their families, and the wider Kerala community to make informed choices when it comes to cancer diagnosis. Our goal is to alleviate uncertainties and concerns by presenting reliable information on the best PET scan centers in Kerala so that individuals can receive accurate diagnoses and timely treatment, thus improving their chances of recovery.
Whether searching for a PET scan center for yourself or a loved one or simply seeking to expand your knowledge about cancer diagnostics in Kerala, this blog post will be invaluable. Join us as we explore the top PET scan centers in Kerala, uncovering the qualities that make them stand out and guiding you toward the best healthcare options available. Stay tuned for our upcoming sections, where we will provide an in-depth analysis of the best PET scan centers in Kerala, their costs, and their exceptional services.
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Table of Contents
Cost Of A PET Scan In Kerala & Factors Affecting It
In Kerala, the price range for a PET Scan at private hospitals typically falls between Rs 20,000 and Rs 22,000, whereas the cost is significantly lower, around Rs 10,000, at governmental hospitals. The cost of a PET Scan in Kerala can vary depending on several factors. The cost of a PET scan in Kerala, or any other location, can vary based on factors such as the facility, geographical location, equipment used, and the specific type of PET scan being conducted. Here are some key factors that affect the cost:
1. Type of Hospital: The type of hospital plays a important role in determining the cost of a PET Scan. Private hospitals generally charge higher fees due to their premium services, infrastructure, and maintenance costs. On the other hand, governmental hospitals, being subsidized by the government, offer PET Scans at lower prices.
2. Location: The location of the hospital can influence the cost of a PET Scan. Urban areas or major cities may have higher costs due to higher operational expenses and market demand. In contrast, rural areas or smaller towns might offer relatively lower prices.
3. Diagnostic Center Reputation: Well-established and renowned diagnostic centers may charge higher fees for a PET Scan due to their brand reputation and quality assurance. These centers often invest in advanced technology and employ highly skilled professionals, resulting in higher costs.
4. Equipment and Technology: The cost of PET Scan equipment and technology directly affects the overall pricing. Hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced imaging technology usually have higher charges to cover the investment, maintenance, and upgrade costs.
5. Additional Services and Facilities: Some hospitals may offer additional services and facilities along with a PET Scan, such as expert consultations, personalized reports, comfortable waiting areas, and specialized care. These supplementary services can contribute to the higher cost.
6. Insurance Coverage: The availability and extent of insurance coverage for PET Scans can vary. Certain insurance policies may cover a portion or the entire cost of the procedure, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
It is important to consider these factors while evaluating the cost of a PET Scan in Kerala. Consulting with healthcare professionals, comparing prices at different hospitals, and understanding the quality of services provided are crucial steps to make an informed decision based on individual needs and budget.
List Of Top 10 PET Scan Centers In Kerala
1) DDNMRC Nuclear Medicine Scan Center
DDNMRC is one of the best nuclear medicine therapy and imaging centers in Kerala, offering a wide range of services such as PET/CT scans, SPECT/CT gamma camera, radionuclide therapy, and pain palliation therapy. The cost of PET-CT Scan here is around Rs. 25,000.
DDNMRC is a state-of-the-art nuclear medicine center near Trivandrum Medical College and RCC. It was established in 2017 with the mission to help people suffering from cancer fulfill their dreams of a healthy life. DDNMRC has a team of highly qualified and experienced nuclear medicine specialists, radiologists, physicists, technologists, and nurses who provide compassionate and personalized care to patients. DDNMRC has two centers in Kerala: one in Trivandrum and one in Kollam.
DDNMRC offers two types of PET scans: 18 FDG PET scans and 68 Ga PET scans.
18 FDG PET scan uses a tracer called fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a form of glucose (sugar) labeled with fluorine-18, a radioactive isotope. FDG is taken up by cells that use glucose for energy, such as cancer cells. 18 FDG PET scans can show how active the cancer cells are and how they respond to treatment. 18 FDG PET scans can be used for different types of cancers like lung, breast, colorectal, lymphoma, melanoma, head and neck, etc.
68 Ga PET scan uses a tracer called gallium-68 (Ga), which is a radioactive metal that can be attached to different molecules that target specific receptors on cancer cells. 68 Ga PET scans can show the expression of these receptors and how they affect the growth and spread of cancer. 68 Ga PET scan can be used for various types of cancers like prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, infection imaging, insulinoma detection, angiogenesis imaging, etc. DDNMRC is one of the most trusted and reputed nuclear medicine centers in Kerala that offers high-quality PET scan services at affordable prices.
2) Imaging Lily
Imaging Lily Centre is Kerala’s first all-inclusive nuclear medicine and radiology center in Kochi. It was opened in June 2016 with a mission to be recognized as the leading early detection center in the region. It offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment for safe and painless diagnostic tests, such as PET-CT, SPECT, and CT scans.
PET-CT (Positron emission tomography–computed tomography) is a medical imaging technique that combines both a PET scanner and a CT scanner in a single device. It can provide both functional and anatomical information about the body, which can help detect different types of cancers and their extent, determine the treatment plan and assess its effectiveness, and diagnose other conditions such as infection, inflammation, cardiac problems, and neurological disorders.
Imaging Lily Centre has GE Discovery IQ 3 Ring 16 Slice PET-CT, with features like a light burst detector and Q clear reconstruction. This ensures excellent image quality, greater accuracy, high sensitivity in detecting small lesions, fast acquisition, and low dose scan. The PET-CT scan is performed by an experienced team of medical practitioners who follow strict protocols and guidelines.
The approximate cost of a PET-CT scan at Imaging Lily Centre is Rs. 25,000. This is much lower than the average cost of a PET-CT scan in India, which ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 60,000, depending on the location and facility. Imaging Lily Centre also offers free appointment booking through its website.
3) Aster Medcity
Aster Medcity is one of the finest hospitals in Kochi, Kerala, with expertise in various specialties such as cardiac sciences, neurosciences, orthopedics, oncology, gastroenterology, liver care, transplant surgery, women’s health, and more. It is the first JCI-accredited quaternary care multispecialty hospital in the state & combines the best of talent & technology to provide holistic treatment with a multidisciplinary approach.
Aster Medcity is on a soothingly beautiful 40-acre waterfront campus with a 670-bed capacity. It has 8 Centres of Excellence, 26 specialty departments, 12 state-of-the-art operation theatres, 2 hybrid cath labs, and 670 consultants. It also has a dedicated wing for international patients, offering personalized medical assistance for all their healthcare needs.
The Clinical Imaging Unit at Aster Medcity is one of the most comprehensive facilities for diagnostic and therapeutic imaging (including Nuclear Medicine) in the region. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as:
– 3.0 Tesla Wide Bore MRI
– Image Guided Biopsies
– 256 Slice Philips iCT scanner
– Digital Mammo Tomosynthesis (mammogram)
– Fluoroscopy facility
– 16 Slide PET CT
– DEXA for bone density measurement
– GE SPECT-CT OPTIMA NM 640 Gamma Camera
– EPIQ
The expert team of doctors at the Clinical Imaging Unit comprises Radiologists and Interventional Radiologists with extensive international training and clinical expertise. They provide protocol-based services/ treatment to patients with the help of technicians and other support staff. However, the average cost of PET scans at Aster Medcity ranges from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000.
4) Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre
AIMS is a not-for-profit organization established to provide excellence in healthcare and improve the community’s overall well-being through strong programs in preventive medicine, medical education, and research. AIMS is located near Kochi, in the state of Kerala, India. AIMS is part of the health sciences campus of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University). The institute was inaugurated on May 17, 1998, by the then PM of India- Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in the personal presence of Her Holiness, Mata Amritanandamayi.
The cost of a PET scan at AIMS varies depending on the type of scan and the body part involved. According to one source, a full-body PET scan at AIMS costs around Rs. 25,000. However, this may not include the cost of tests before the scan, such as blood sugar checks, or the cost of medicines after the scan. The price may also vary depending on the availability of insurance coverage or financial assistance from the hospital.
A PET scan at AIMS is a safe and effective way to diagnose and monitor various diseases and conditions. It can help you and your doctor plan the best course of treatment for your health.
5) VPS Lakeshore Hospital
VPS Lakeshore Hospital is a multi-specialty hospital with over 30 clinical departments and 350 beds. It is accredited by NABH and has state-of-the-art infrastructure and medical technologies. It also offers medical value travel services for international patients, including airport transfer, accommodation, interpreter, and customized cuisine.
The approximate cost of a PET scan at VPS Lakeshore Hospital varies depending on the type of tracer used and the area being scanned. The cost of PET-CT Scan here is around Rs. 27,000. However, this may change depending on the exchange rate, availability, and other factors. You can contact the hospital for more details and payment options.
VPS Lakeshore Hospital is one of the leading hospitals in Kerala for PET scans and other nuclear medicine services. It has a dedicated department of nuclear medicine with experienced doctors and technicians who use advanced equipment and protocols to ensure accurate and safe diagnosis and treatment. The department also offers other services such as SPECT-CT, thyroid scan, bone scan, renal scan, cardiac perfusion scan, parathyroid scan, octreotide scan, MIBG scan, DTPA scan, DMSA scan, HIDA scan, lymphoscintigraphy, sentinel node biopsy, radioiodine therapy, lutetium therapy.
6) Rajagiri Hospital
Rajagiri Hospital in Kerala is one of the leading healthcare facilities that offer PET scan services. A PET scan is an advanced imaging technique that can help diagnose various diseases and conditions by showing how the tissues and organs function. A PET scan uses a radioactive tracer injected into the body and detected by a special scanner.
Rajagiri Hospital has an innovative PET/CT scanner from GE Healthcare that provides quality images with accurate quantitative information while also addressing key factors like dose and scan times. The hospital claims its PET/CT scanner is very sensitive and can detect disease before it shows up on other imaging tests.
The cost of a PET scan at Rajagiri Hospital varies depending on the type of scan, the tracer used, and the insurance coverage. According to Credihealth, a medical assistance company, the average cost of PET scans in India ranges from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 27,000. However, this may not include the consultation fees, the preparation costs, or the post-scan care.
7) Regional Cancer Centre
The Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) in Thiruvananthapuram is a state-owned premium cancer care hospital & research center offering diagnostic and therapeutic services for various cancers. One of the diagnostic services RCC provides is the PET scan, a nuclear medicine imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers to detect abnormal metabolic activity in the body.
RCC is a state-owned premium cancer care hospital and research center under the National Cancer Control Programme by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. RCC offers both diagnostic and therapeutic services using nuclear medicine, including PET-CT scanners and gamma cameras. A PET scan is useful for detecting and monitoring various types of cancers, such as lung, breast, colon, lymphoma, melanoma, etc.
The approximate cost of a PET scan at RCC is Rs 11,000, much lower than the average cost of Rs 18,000 to Rs 25,000 in private hospitals and labs.
8) Sree Gokulam Medical College Hospital
Sree Gokulam Medical College Hospital (SGMC) is a leading super specialty hospital in Kerala that provides quality health care at an inexpensive cost to all sections of society. One of the services that SGMC offers is a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, a type of nuclear medicine imaging that can help diagnose and monitor various diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
A PET scan can be done at SGMC’s Department of Nuclear Medicine, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced staff. The department offers various types of PET scans, such as FDG-PET, PSMA-PET, DOTATATE-PET, and F-DOPA-PET, depending on the type and location of the disease. The department also performs PET-CT and PET-MRI, which combine PET with CT or MRI to provide more detailed anatomical information.
The approximate cost of a PET scan at SGMC varies depending on the type of tracer used and the duration of the scan. The average cost ranges from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000. However, the exact cost may vary depending on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s recommendation. The patient may also need to pay additional charges, such as consultation fees, blood tests, contrast agents, and hospital charges.
9) Azeezia Medical College Hospital
Azeezia Medical College Hospital is one of the leading healthcare systems in Kerala that assures comprehensive healthcare services with a global standard. It is also part of the Azeezia Group of Institutions, including super-specialty units and colleges for medical, dental, and nursing courses. The hospital is located in a rural area eight km (5.0 mi) from NH-47 (Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram portion).
Azeezia Medical College Hospital is a 540-bed multi-specialty hospital that provides treatment in various specialties, such as medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, dermatology, psychiatry, pediatrics, orthopedics, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, anesthesiology, radiology, emergency services, and laparoscopic surgery. Super-specialty departments include cardiothoracic, neurology, nephrology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and neurosurgery. The hospital also has a well-equipped laboratory, pharmacy, and interventional radiology department.
The hospital has a state-of-the-art PET-CT scanner can perform high-quality scans with low radiation exposure. The scanner can detect lesions as small as 4 mm in size and provide accurate information about the disease’s location, size, and stage. The hospital also offers various health packages for patients who need regular check-ups or screening tests.
The cost of a PET scan at Azeezia Medical College Hospital depends on the type of tracer used and the body part scanned. The average PET scan cost in Kerala ranges from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 per scan. The hospital accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, and insurance policies as modes of payment. The hospital also provides international patient services for patients from abroad for treatment.
10) Mediscan
Mediscan, a leading diagnostic center with branches in Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad, offers various services, including MRI, CT, ultrasound, color Doppler, digital ECG, and computerized lab tests. Mediscan is known for its quality and precise diagnostic findings in the field of medical imaging.
One of the services that Mediscan provides is a PET scan, a type of nuclear medicine imaging that uses a radioactive tracer to show how your tissues and organs are functioning. PET scans can help diagnose and monitor diseases like cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, and infections.
The cost of PET scans in India varies depending on the type of scan, the hospital or laboratory, and the city. The average cost of a PET scan for cancer in India ranges between 35,000 – 70,000 INR. However, the cost of a PET scan at Mediscan is much lower than the average. According to their website, the PET scan cost in Kerala at Mediscan is 20,000 INR. This makes Mediscan one of the most affordable options for PET scans in Kerala.
Conclusion
When it comes to PET scan centers in Kerala, it’s crucial to choose the best facility for accurate and reliable results. This blog has provided valuable information about some of the top PET scan centers in the state, along with their costs and key features. Individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs by considering these factors.
Kerala, known for its advanced healthcare system, boasts several top-notch PET scan centers that offer state-of-the-art equipment, experienced medical professionals, and exceptional patient care. These centers play a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions, particularly cancer, by providing detailed images of the body’s internal organs and tissues.
With a rise in cancer cases globally and in Kerala, it is essential for residents to have access to reliable PET scan centers. According to recent statistics, cancer incidence has steadily increased in Kerala, making having well-equipped and proficient facilities available more crucial than ever.
The highlighted PET scan centers in this blog offer cutting-edge technology and a holistic approach to patient care. These centers understand the emotional and physical challenges faced by individuals undergoing medical investigations and aim to create a compassionate & supportive environment for patients and their families.
In terms of cost, the blog has presented an overview of the approximate prices for PET scans in Kerala. However, it’s important to note that the actual cost may vary based on factors such as the type of scan required, the center’s location, and additional services provided. Potential patients are encouraged to contact the centers directly for accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
In conclusion, the blog on the best PET scan centers and costs in Kerala serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking reliable and affordable diagnostic services. Patients can benefit from advanced technology, experienced medical professionals, and exceptional patient care by choosing one of the featured centers. Ensuring access to high-quality PET scan centers is crucial in the early detection and effective treatment of various medical conditions, particularly cancer, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the Kerala community.
PET scans are expensive, making them out of reach for many individuals in Kerala. Crowdfunding website provides a platform for people to share their stories and raise funds from a wide audience, increasing accessibility to medical resources like PET scans. Kerala has a strong sense of community, and people are often willing to support each other in need. Crowdfunding websites tap into this spirit, allowing individuals to reach out to their communities, friends, and even strangers who empathize with their situation and want to contribute.
