• Published on: Apr 30, 2022
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is PET Scan ?

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A PET scan (positron emission tomography) is a type of imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to look for changes in the function of cells and tissues. A tracer is a substance that is introduced into the body to make it easier to see certain areas or organs. The radioactive tracer used in PET scans emits positrons, which are tiny particles that collide with electrons in the body. This creates gamma rays that can be detected by a scanner and used to create images of the inside of the body. PET scans are often used to diagnose cancer because tumor cells typically have higher levels of activity than normal cells. They can also be used to check for treatment response, measure tumor size, and identify new tumors.

PET Scan is a nuclear medicine imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material, called a tracer, to look for disease in the body. A PET Scan can show how well organs and tissues are working. It can help find cancer, heart problems, and other diseases. A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is a medical imaging test that helps physicians diagnose and treat diseases. PET scans use a small amount of radioactive material, called a tracer, to help physicians see how organs and tissues are functioning. The radioactive tracer is injected into the patient's body and travels to the organ or tissue being studied. Physicians can then see where the tracer collects on an image of the organ or tissue.

A PET scan is helpful in diagnosing cancer, heart disease, brain disorders, and other diseases. It can also help determine how well treatment is working. PET Scan is an acronym for Positron Emission Tomography. It's a type of medical imaging that uses a small amount of radioactive material to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. A PET scanner creates 3D images of the inside of the body. PET (positron emission tomography) scans use a small amount of radioactive material called a tracer to help doctors see certain areas of the body. The tracer is injected into a vein, and images are taken as it moves through the body.

PET scans are often used to find cancer because tumors absorb more of the radioactive material than normal tissue does. PET scans can also be used to measure blood flow, check how well drugs work, and see how active the brain is. A PET scan is a type of imaging test that uses radioactive tracers to look at the function and structure of organs and tissues in your body. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into your bloodstream and then scanned by a special camera. The camera creates pictures that show where the material has collected. This can help doctors see how well an organ is working or find tumors or other problems.

PET scan is short for positron emission tomography. It's a type of medical imaging that uses a radioactive tracer to look at organ function or tissue metabolism. The tracer is a small amount of radioactive material that's injected into the patient's bloodstream. It collects in organs and tissues, and a scanner detects the radiation emitted as it decays. This information is used to create cross-sectional images of the body that show how the organs and tissues are working. PET scans are most often used to detect cancer because tumors consume more energy than normal tissue and therefore have a higher metabolic rate. But they can also be used to evaluate other problems, such as heart disease, brain function, and joint damage.

PET scanning is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. A small amount of radioactive glucose (FDG) is injected into a vein and images are taken as the glucose moves through the body. Cancer cells use more energy than normal cells and therefore absorb more of the radioactive glucose. This allows tumors to be visualized on the scan. PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. A PET scan is a medical imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to look at organs and tissues inside the body. The tracer is injected into a vein, and images are taken as it moves through the body.

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Lower Premiums for Health Score Achievers: How Preventive Wellness Rewards Healthy Choices

Healthcare costs are rising steadily across India, driven largely by lifestyle-related diseases and late-stage diagnosis. In response, organisations and insurers are shifting focus from reactive treatment to prevention. One of the most effective approaches emerging from this shift is offering lower premiums for health score achievers.

This model aligns personal health responsibility with financial incentives, creating a win–win situation for individuals, employers and insurers.

 

What Is a Health Score?

A health score is a composite indicator that reflects an individual’s overall health status.

It typically considers:

  • preventive health checkup results

  • lifestyle habits such as physical activity and sleep

  • key biomarkers like blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure

  • body composition indicators

The focus is on risk reduction, not perfection.

 

Why Health Score–Based Premiums Are Gaining Importance

According to NITI Aayog and EY-FICCI reports, preventive healthcare can reduce long-term medical costs by up to 30–40 percent.

Health score–linked premiums:

  • reward proactive behaviour

  • reduce claim frequency

  • encourage early detection

This shifts healthcare from illness management to health preservation.

 

The Preventive Healthcare Gap in India

NFHS-5 and ICMR data show:

  • many chronic diseases remain undiagnosed until advanced stages

  • preventive screenings are underutilised

  • lifestyle risks are increasing among working adults

Health score incentives help close this gap.

 

How Lower Premiums Motivate Behaviour Change

Financial Incentives Drive Consistency

When healthy habits are rewarded financially, individuals are more likely to:

  • attend regular screenings

  • improve diet and activity

  • monitor health metrics

Behaviour change becomes sustainable.

Focus on Improvement, Not Punishment

Modern health score models emphasise:

  • gradual improvement

  • personalised targets

  • achievable milestones

This avoids discouragement and promotes inclusion.

 

Benefits for Individuals

Reduced Insurance Costs

Lower premiums directly reduce out-of-pocket insurance expenses.

 

Better Health Awareness

Tracking health scores increases understanding of:

  • personal risk factors

  • lifestyle impact

  • preventive actions

Knowledge leads to better choices.

 

Early Disease Detection

Regular monitoring identifies:

  • prediabetes

  • early hypertension

  • lipid abnormalities

Early intervention prevents complications.

 

Benefits for Employers

Lower Healthcare Claims

Preventive health programs reduce:

  • hospitalisations

  • long-term treatment costs

This improves corporate insurance sustainability.

 

Improved Productivity

Healthier employees experience:

  • fewer sick days

  • better energy levels

  • improved focus

Wellbeing translates to performance.

 

Stronger Wellness Culture

Reward-based programs signal genuine employer commitment to health.

 

Benefits for Insurers

Health score–based premiums help insurers:

  • manage risk more accurately

  • reduce high-cost claims

  • promote preventive engagement

This supports long-term viability of insurance models.

 

Role of Preventive Health Checkups

Preventive screenings form the backbone of health scoring.

They help track:

  • metabolic health

  • cardiovascular risk

  • nutritional deficiencies

NITI Aayog identifies screening as the most cost-effective health intervention.

 

Addressing Privacy and Fairness Concerns

Responsible programs ensure:

  • data confidentiality

  • voluntary participation

  • non-discriminatory design

Transparency builds trust and engagement.

 

Making Health Scores Inclusive

Inclusive programs:

  • adjust for age and baseline health

  • reward progress

  • offer support for high-risk individuals

Equity is essential for success.

 

Integration with Digital Health Platforms

Digital tools enable:

  • real-time health tracking

  • personalised insights

  • long-term trend monitoring

This improves engagement and accuracy.

 

Long-Term Impact on Public Health

Widespread adoption of health score incentives can:

  • reduce lifestyle disease burden

  • shift focus to prevention

  • improve population health outcomes

WHO supports incentive-based preventive health strategies globally.

 

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Common challenges include:

  • low initial engagement

  • lack of awareness

  • resistance to change

Solutions involve education, simplicity and continuous support.

 

Why Lower Premiums Are More Effective Than Penalties

Positive reinforcement:

  • motivates sustained behaviour change

  • reduces anxiety

  • builds trust

Punitive models often discourage participation.

 

Future of Health Score–Linked Premiums in India

As digital health infrastructure expands, health score–based models are expected to:

  • become more personalised

  • integrate AI-driven insights

  • support nationwide preventive strategies

This marks a shift toward value-based healthcare.

 

Conclusion

Lower premiums for health score achievers represent a powerful shift toward preventive, value-driven healthcare. By rewarding healthy behaviours, early screening and consistent wellness practices, these programs benefit individuals, employers and insurers alike. Financial incentives aligned with health outcomes encourage long-term behaviour change, reduce disease burden and create a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. In a country facing rising lifestyle diseases, health score–linked premiums are not just an incentive—they are a strategic investment in healthier futures.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Preventive Healthcare and Incentive Models
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Prevention
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Health Indicators
  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Insurance Reform Reports
  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Healthcare Cost Studies

See all

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