Bone Scan Price in the Philippines 2026: Hospital Rates & Scan Types

Quick answer: A nuclear medicine bone scan costs approximately ₱7,000 to ₱11,350 among selected Philippine hospitals with publicly available prices reviewed by CareCostPH. A three-phase bone scan costs ₱7,440 to ₱14,000 in the hospital schedules compared, while specialized SPECT-CT bone scans are listed at ₱12,060 to ₱13,600 in an older government schedule. If your doctor ordered a bone density test (DEXA) for osteoporosis, that is a different examination; selected public hospitals list it from ₱1,500–₱3,180 depending on the scan and patient category.

When it is used: A nuclear medicine bone scan helps doctors identify areas of unusual activity in the skeleton. It is commonly requested to investigate whether certain cancers have spread to the bones, locate fractures that may not appear on ordinary X-rays, or assess suspected bone infections. A three-phase scan takes images at several stages and can provide additional information about blood flow and bone activity. A bone density scan, also called DEXA or DXA, is different because it measures bone mineral density to assess osteoporosis and fracture risk.

Bone Scan Price in the Philippines

These are observed published prices, not nationwide averages. The nuclear medicine examples include rates from different years and hospital patient categories. More recent prices were prioritized, while older rates are identified separately.

Most important: Confirm whether your doctor’s request is for a nuclear medicine bone scan or a DEXA bone density test before booking.

Which Bone Scan Did Your Doctor Order?

The terms bone scan and bone density scan are often confused, but they describe different examinations.

If the request mentions cancer staging, bone scintigraphy or a radioactive tracer, it generally refers to nuclear medicine imaging. If the request mentions osteoporosis, osteopenia, bone mineral density or a T-score, it generally refers to DEXA.

The hospital can confirm the correct examination from your doctor’s written request.

Actual Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan Prices by Hospital

The following facilities have published identifiable nuclear medicine bone scan rates.

Price dates: Jose R. Reyes’ routine figure comes from a 2025 fee document; Chong Hua’s is effective August 26, 2026; Baguio General’s fee breakdown is from July 2023; and Davao Regional’s SPECT-CT prices are from May 2024. PGH’s accessible rate schedule lists the amounts without confirming an October 2026 effective date for those individual rows.

A lower figure does not always mean a cheaper final bill. One hospital may quote a procedure-only charge while another includes professional fees.

Government Hospital Bone Scan Prices

Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center: Manila

Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center publishes nuclear medicine procedure charges. Its 2025 fee document lists ₱7,000 for a routine HDP bone scan. An older 2020 Citizens Charter listed:

These older figures are helpful for seeing how rates have changed, but should not be treated as confirmed current quotations. The newer ₱7,000 routine entry is the more appropriate starting point for budgeting.

If you need a three-phase scan, ask the nuclear medicine department for its current price rather than relying on the 2020 rate.

UP-Philippine General Hospital: Manila

PGH publishes several pricing categories for nuclear medicine procedures.

Its published rate table shows the same categories and amounts for a three-phase bone scan.

Which price should you use?

If you are booking as a regular self-paying outpatient, the most relevant displayed figure is ₱7,440. The lower ₱6,510 service rate is a separate patient classification and should not automatically be assumed available to every visitor. Ask the hospital about eligibility for service-patient rates or financial assistance.

Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center: Baguio City

Baguio General Hospital’s July 2023 nuclear medicine schedule is useful because it separates procedure charges from professional fees.

This explains why comparing basic procedure charges alone can be misleading. The published total includes the specified professional fee, whereas some other hospital lists do not clearly state all inclusions.

Because the schedule is older, request an updated quotation before booking.

Davao Regional Medical Center: Tagum City

Davao Regional Medical Center’s May 22, 2024 outpatient schedule includes specialized SPECT-CT examinations.

These are different procedures from a basic planar bone scan. SPECT-CT combines nuclear medicine imaging with computed tomography to help doctors determine the precise location of abnormal findings.

Philippine Heart Center: Quezon City

The Philippine Heart Center provides nuclear medicine services and has published detailed historical fee schedules. Its billing information separates charges related to the imaging procedure, radiopharmaceutical and professional services.

Because the available historical tables contain multiple patient classifications and separate components, a single current all-in price could not be independently established for this review.

Ask the nuclear medicine division for the complete quotation based on the requested scan and patient category.

Lung Center of the Philippines: Quezon City

The Lung Center is another government specialty hospital that patients may consider when looking for nuclear medicine services.

Older Philippine price references have quoted bone scan amounts around ₱6,400–₱7,300, but the current complete rates could not be independently established from an official updated schedule during this review.

Do not assume that ₱6,400 is the present standard walk-in price or that ₱7,300 automatically applies to every three-phase study. Confirm availability, scan type, professional fees and any radioactive tracer charge directly with the hospital.

Private Hospital Bone Scan Prices

Chong Hua Hospital: Cebu City

Chong Hua Hospital publishes one of the clearest recently dated private-hospital prices.

The hospital states that the published procedure rate does not include all medications and supplies that may be needed. The final bill may therefore be higher than ₱11,350.

Chong Hua’s nuclear medicine department lists bone scan appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, subject to its actual scheduling and tracer availability.

The hospital advises patients to bring a doctor’s request and relevant previous examination reports.

Other Private Hospitals

Several Philippine hospitals offer nuclear medicine bone imaging but do not provide a readily confirmed current public price for every scan type. Older third-party guides have quoted prices for ManilaMed, Manila Doctors Hospital, Mary Mediatrix Medical Center and Makati Medical Center.

These figures should be used only as historical reference points unless the hospital provides a current quotation. In particular, do not assume a hospital’s older SPECT price is the current total for SPECT-CT imaging.

What Are the Different Types of Nuclear Bone Scans?

Routine or Whole-Body Bone Scan

A routine bone scan evaluates areas of increased or decreased activity in the bones. A radioactive tracer is injected into a vein, and images are taken using a gamma camera. A whole-body examination allows doctors to assess much of the skeleton during the same study.

It may be ordered for:

• Suspected bone metastases in certain cancers
• Unexplained bone pain
• Fractures not clearly visible on initial imaging
• Selected infections and other bone conditions

A routine study is usually less complicated than a three-phase or SPECT-CT examination.

Three-Phase Bone Scan

A three-phase bone scan takes images at different stages.

• Phase 1: Blood flow. Images are taken immediately as the tracer enters the bloodstream.
• Phase 2: Blood pool. Early images show tracer distribution in soft tissues and the affected area.
• Phase 3: Delayed bone images. Additional images are taken after the tracer has accumulated in bone.

The additional information can help doctors investigate suspected bone infection, inflammation and certain other conditions.

Among the published hospital examples reviewed, three-phase scan prices range from ₱7,440 at PGH for a pay outpatient to ₱14,000 at Baguio General Hospital’s older schedule.

Bone Scan With SPECT-CT

SPECT-CT combines two kinds of information:

• SPECT shows where a radioactive tracer accumulates.
• CT provides anatomical images of the area.

The combined images can help distinguish an abnormality involving a specific bone or joint from nearby structures.

Davao Regional Medical Center has published ₱12,060 for SPECT-CT bone scanning and ₱13,600 for SPECT-CT three-phase scanning.

The doctor determines whether additional SPECT or SPECT-CT images are needed. Do not assume that every standard bone scan automatically includes this technology.

Bone Scan vs. Bone Density Test (DEXA)

A nuclear medicine bone scan and a bone density test are not substitutes for one another.

If your doctor requested BMD or DEXA to check for osteoporosis, you do not need a nuclear medicine bone scan unless a separate clinical reason exists.

DEXA uses low-dose X-rays to evaluate bone density and can help diagnose osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Bone Density (DEXA) Price in the Philippines

Published DEXA prices at selected Philippine government hospitals include:

These are official provider listings, not a nationwide standard price. At PGH, the service-rate category is lower than the pay-outpatient rate, and private-patient prices are higher.

What About DEXA at Private Diagnostic Centers?

Exact Check Diagnostic Center in Quezon City offers bone densitometry, and its published medical information explains that the service can be used for osteoporosis screening and bone health assessment.

Older Exact Check promotional material has listed ₱2,400 for routine central bone densitometry, with a lower senior rate. Other figures such as ₱3,000 for routine imaging and ₱4,500 for a broader examination have also appeared in price comparisons, but were not independently reconfirmed as current October 2026 prices.

Ask the clinic for its current quotation and which body areas are included. A scan of the spine, hip and forearm is not necessarily the same service as an actual whole-body DEXA examination.

How Much Should You Budget for a Bone Scan?

The total payable amount may be different from the published procedure price.

For example, Baguio General Hospital’s published total includes the listed professional fee, while Chong Hua Hospital specifically excludes certain medicines and supplies from its procedure price.

Ask for an itemized quotation rather than relying on a scan-only fee.

How Is a Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan Done?

A routine bone scan generally has several stages.

1. Radioactive Tracer Injection

A nuclear medicine technologist injects a small amount of radioactive tracer into a vein, usually in the arm or hand. The tracer travels through the bloodstream and gradually accumulates in the bones.

2. Waiting Period

For many standard bone scans, patients wait approximately 2–4 hours before the delayed images. During this period, staff may recommend drinking water and emptying the bladder regularly. The instructions can differ depending on the tracer and the study requested.

3. Imaging

The patient lies on a scanning table while a gamma camera takes images. A routine imaging session may take approximately 30–60 minutes. Three-phase studies also require images immediately after injection, while specialized examinations may involve additional views.

4. Results

A nuclear medicine physician interprets the images and prepares a report. The referring doctor then explains what the findings mean in relation to the patient’s medical condition.

How Long Does a Bone Scan Take?

For a standard nuclear medicine bone scan, patients should usually allow several hours, often approximately 3–5 hours or longer depending on the protocol. The waiting time after tracer injection accounts for much of the appointment.

Three-phase imaging involves multiple imaging stages and may require additional time. Ask whether you must remain at the hospital during the interval before delayed imaging.

Do You Need to Fast for a Bone Scan?

A routine bone scan generally does not require fasting. Chong Hua Hospital’s official preparation guidance specifically states that patients do not need to fast before its bone scan procedure.

The hospital also advises patients to continue maintenance medicines and vitamins unless their healthcare provider gives different instructions.

Preparation Before Your Appointment

• Bring your doctor’s request.
• Bring previous scans, reports or relevant medical records.
• Wear comfortable clothing and follow instructions about metal accessories.
• Tell the department about medicines and recent examinations.
• Inform staff if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• Follow the department’s specific instructions about hydration and any medications.

Some substances used in other imaging or medical treatments can interfere with nuclear medicine images. For example, Chong Hua advises avoiding radiographic contrast examinations on the day before its bone scan.

Do not independently stop prescribed medicines or apply a blanket several-day medication restriction without instructions from the nuclear medicine team.

Is a Bone Scan Safe?

Bone scans use a small amount of radioactive material for diagnostic imaging. Most patients tolerate the procedure well. The injection may cause brief discomfort, and mild bruising can occur at the injection site.

The imaging itself is generally painless, although remaining still may be uncomfortable for people with existing bone pain. The amount of radiation and preparation requirements depend on the tracer and scan protocol.

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients need individualized instructions from the nuclear medicine team before the procedure.

Do You Need a Doctor’s Request and Appointment?

Yes, nuclear medicine bone scans are generally scheduled using a physician’s request. The hospital needs to identify the appropriate scan type and arrange the radioactive tracer. Unlike a routine X-ray, a bone scan usually cannot be assumed available immediately as a walk-in examination.

Chong Hua Hospital explicitly requires a doctor’s request. For DEXA, booking requirements may be more flexible, but some facilities still require a doctor’s order or advance appointment.

When Will the Bone Scan Results Be Released?

The report is prepared after the nuclear medicine specialist reviews the images. Some facilities may release reports within one or two working days, while others require longer. Additional views, complex findings or hospital reporting schedules can affect the release date.

If you have an upcoming oncology or specialist appointment, ask whether the report will be ready beforehand.

PhilHealth Coverage for Bone Scans

Standalone Outpatient Bone Scan

A nuclear medicine bone scan is not a standard routine laboratory service covered under PhilHealth YAKAP. Being a PhilHealth member does not automatically entitle you to a free standalone outpatient bone scan.

Ask the hospital’s PhilHealth desk whether your examination qualifies under any other applicable benefit package.

Bone Scan During Hospital Admission

If a medically necessary bone scan is performed during a covered hospital admission, the associated services may form part of the overall hospitalization bill.

PhilHealth’s applicable case rate contributes according to the covered condition and benefit rules. That does not mean the hospital automatically deducts a fixed amount specifically for the bone scan.

Bone Scan for Cancer Patients

Patients undergoing cancer staging or treatment should ask their hospital’s oncology team or PhilHealth desk whether a relevant cancer-related package or assistance arrangement applies.

Cancer benefit packages have specific eligibility, covered services and provider requirements. Do not assume that all cancer staging bone scans are covered.

HMO Coverage

Some HMOs provide benefits for medically necessary diagnostic imaging, but specialized nuclear medicine tests may require separate approval.

Before booking, confirm:

• The hospital’s HMO accreditation
• Coverage for nuclear medicine bone scanning
• Whether the radioactive tracer is covered
• Whether professional fees are included
• Whether preauthorization or an LOA is needed
• The patient’s remaining annual benefit limit

The laboratory or hospital may require the approved LOA to match the exact procedure on the doctor’s request.

Senior Citizen and PWD Discounts

Eligible senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for statutory discounts and applicable VAT exemptions on covered medical and diagnostic services.

For example, Baguio General Hospital’s July 2023 schedule showed these discounted examples:

These figures are historical hospital examples, not guaranteed current discounted bills. Under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, eligible senior citizens also have provisions for free diagnostic services at government healthcare facilities, subject to the applicable guidelines.

Ask the hospital’s billing and social service offices how these benefits apply to the examination being requested. Bring your senior citizen or PWD ID when registering.

Financial Assistance for Bone Scans

A medically necessary bone scan may be expensive for patients who are also paying for consultations, medicines and cancer treatment. Depending on eligibility and facility arrangements, assistance may be available through:

• Malasakit Centers at participating hospitals
• PCSO medical assistance
• DSWD medical assistance programs
• Local government medical assistance
• Hospital social service departments

Assistance is not guaranteed, and the amount approved depends on the program’s rules and available funding. Before scheduling, ask the hospital whether financial assessment must be completed before the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Magkano ang bone scan sa Pilipinas?

Published routine nuclear medicine bone scan examples include ₱7,000 at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, ₱7,440 at PGH for pay outpatients, and ₱11,350 at Chong Hua Hospital. Rates vary by facility and inclusions.

Magkano ang bone scan sa Lung Center?

Older price references have mentioned amounts around ₱6,400–₱7,300, but a current complete price was not independently confirmed from an updated official schedule. Request the latest rate directly from the Lung Center.

Magkano ang bone scan sa PGH?

PGH’s published bone scan rate is ₱7,440 for pay outpatients. Separate rates apply to service and private patients.

Magkano ang bone scan sa Cebu?

Chong Hua Hospital lists ₱11,350 for a Tc-99m MDP bone scan, effective August 26, 2026. Certain supplies and medicines are excluded.

Magkano ang bone density test?

Selected government hospital prices range from ₱1,500 for DEXA at Zamboanga City Medical Center to ₱3,180 for a whole-body study at PGH for pay outpatients.

Is a bone scan the same as a bone density test?

No. A nuclear bone scan evaluates abnormal bone activity, whereas DEXA measures bone density to assess osteoporosis.

Can a bone scan detect cancer?

It can identify abnormal bone activity that may indicate cancer spread, but abnormal findings can also result from fractures, infection or other noncancerous conditions. A bone scan finding alone does not establish a cancer diagnosis.

Is a bone scan painful?

The radioactive tracer injection may cause a brief sting. The scan itself is generally painless.

How long does a bone scan take?

Plan for several hours, often 3–5 hours or more, because there is usually a waiting period between tracer injection and imaging.

Is a bone scan covered by PhilHealth?

There is no universal free outpatient bone scan benefit under routine YAKAP services. Other coverage may depend on hospital admission, condition-specific benefits or provider arrangements.

Before You Book Your Bone Scan

Contact the hospital’s nuclear medicine department and ask:

1. Is the doctor’s request for a routine bone scan, three-phase scan or SPECT-CT?
2. What is the total procedure price for my patient classification?
3. Does the fee include the radioactive tracer?
4. Is the nuclear medicine physician’s professional fee included?
5. Are additional supplies or images charged separately?
6. Is a doctor’s request and advance appointment required?
7. How long should I allow for the visit?
8. Are there any fasting, medicine or contrast-related instructions?
9. Can PhilHealth, an HMO or financial assistance help pay for the procedure?
10. When will the report be available?

Key price takeaway: For a routine nuclear medicine bone scan, the reviewed hospital prices provide a budgeting range of approximately ₱7,000–₱11,350. Specialized scans may cost more, while DEXA bone density testing is substantially cheaper because it is a different procedure.

How CareCostPH Checked These Prices

CareCostPH reviewed publicly accessible Philippine hospital schedules, nuclear medicine service information and authoritative medical references on October 23, 2026.

More recent hospital prices were prioritized over older rate schedules. Routine bone scans, three-phase studies, SPECT-CT and DEXA were compared separately because their purposes and costs differ.

Some hospitals publish historical or undated charges. Those figures were identified rather than presented as newly confirmed October 2026 rates.

CareCostPH did not call or visit the facilities.

Prices are for general information and can change. Confirm the current rate, scan protocol and total charges with the hospital. Medical decisions should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.