Are you concerned about your bone health? A DEXA bone density scan can help you find out if you have osteoporosis or are at risk for developing the condition. DEXA scans are quick, painless, and considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis. Read on to learn about where to get one, the cost, what to expect, and other FAQs. I will also share my experience with the DEXA bone density scan near me.
Map of DEXA Bone Density Scan Near Me
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What is a Bone Density Scan?
A bone density scan is a test that measures the strength and density of your bones. It can be used to diagnose osteoporosis or to check for other conditions that may cause bone loss.
The test is also sometimes called a DEXA scan, which stands for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
Bone density scans are painless and take just a few minutes. They use low-dose x-rays to take pictures of your bones. The pictures are then analyzed to see if there has been any loss of bone density over time.
If you have osteoporosis, you may be at risk for fractures. Bone density scans can help your doctor assess your risk and develop a treatment plan to prevent fractures.
How Much Does a DEXA Bone Density Scan Cost?
The cost of a bone density scan can vary depending on your insurance coverage and the facility where you have the test done.
If you don’t have insurance, or if your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the test, you can expect to pay around $100-$300 for the DEXA scan itself. The cost of the scan may be higher if you need to have it done at a hospital.
Does Insurance cover a DEXA Bone Density Scan Near Me?
Most insurance plans will cover the cost of a DEXA scan if it is ordered by your doctor. Medicare and Medicaid will also cover the cost of the test.
If you are unsure about your coverage, you can call your insurance company to find out if the DEXA scan is covered under your plan.
The Benefits of Getting a DEXA Bone Density Scan
There are many benefits to getting a DEXA bone density scan. The test can help diagnose osteoporosis at an early stage when it is most treatable.
The DEXA scan can also help predict your risk of fractures in the future. This information can help you and your doctor make decisions about treatment and lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
Getting a DEXA scan is quick, painless, and relatively inexpensive. It is the best way to measure bone density and can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your health.
If you are concerned about osteoporosis or bone loss, talk to your doctor about whether a DEXA scan is right for you.
How Often Should I Get a DEXA Bone Density Scan Near Me?
The frequency of bone density scans varies depending on your risk factors for osteoporosis.
If you are a woman over the age of 65, or if you have risk factors for osteoporosis, you should get a DEXA scan every two years.
Your doctor may recommend more frequent testing if you have a family history of osteoporosis, are taking medication for osteoporosis, or have had a fracture after age 50.
Alternative Tests to Measure Bone Density
Other tests can measure bone density, but DEXA is the most common and accurate test.
Other tests include QCT (Quantitative Computed Tomography), pQCT (peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography), and ultrasound. These tests may be used if DEXA is not available or if you have certain medical conditions that make DEXA unsuitable.
Your doctor will decide which test is best for you based on your circumstances.
How Much Radiation are You Exposed to?
Bone density scans use very low-dose x-rays. The amount of radiation you are exposed to during the test is small and not likely to cause any harm.
The DEXA scan uses less radiation than a traditional x-ray. You are exposed to more radiation during a CT scan, QCT, pQCT, or an MRI. Many technicians compare it to the amount of radiation exposure you receive on an airplane flight from Boston to New York.
Who Shouldn’t Get a DEXA Scan?
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, some people should not get a DEXA scan.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you should not get a DEXA scan. The radiation exposure from the test is not likely to cause harm to the baby, but it is best to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure during pregnancy.
If you have had a recent bone marrow transplant, you should not get a DEXA scan. The radiation from the test can damage the transplanted bone marrow cells.
If you have had radiation therapy treatment for cancer in the past, you may not be able to get a DEXA scan. The radiation from the test could damage the tissues that were treated with radiation therapy.
If you have any other questions or concerns about DEXA scans, talk to your doctor. They will be able to advise you on whether the test is right for you. DEXA bone density scans are a safe and effective way to measure bone density and diagnose osteoporosis.
What to Wear to a DEXA Bone Density Scan?
It’s best to wear comfortable clothes to the test. Ideally, you don’t want to wear jeans with metal buttons. Shorts, khakis, leggings, sweatsuits, and t-shirts are all great choices.
You will be asked to remove keys, phones, eyewear, and anything metal. You will also be asked to remove your shoes. For more information on preparing for a bone density scan, read this.
How Long Does It Take and What Is It Like?
The DEXA bone density scan is a quick and painless procedure. You will lie on your back on a padded table while the machine takes pictures of your bones. The test usually takes less than 30 minutes.
You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the machine takes pictures of your chest or hip bones. This helps to ensure that the pictures are clear.
The machine has a scanning arm that moves down the table a few feet over your body slowly scanning in increments. You will need to hold still during the procedure.
The scan is completely painless and you can return to your normal activities immediately after the test.
What is Listed on a DEXA Bone Density Scan
A DEXA scan for bone density results in a T-score, which is generated by comparing the patient’s scan with that of a healthy young adult of the same sex.
The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that:
- A T-score of -1.0 or higher is normal bone density.
- A T-score of -1.1 to -2.4 indicates osteopenia or low bone density.
- A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis.
A DEXA scan may also provide a Z-score. The amount of bone relative to others with the same characteristics is displayed by this. It can help discern if an irregularity is responsible for decreased bone mass.
A Z-score over -2.0 is considered normal by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD). A score lower than this number means that a person’s density is below average for their age group.
What Happens If My Bone Density Test Is Abnormal?
If your bone density test is abnormal, it does not necessarily mean that you have osteoporosis. Osteopenia, which is low bone density, can lead to osteoporosis. However, not everyone with osteopenia will develop osteoporosis.
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and calcium and vitamin D supplements if your bone density test is abnormal. You may also be prescribed medication to help prevent bone loss or to treat osteoporosis.
If you have osteoporosis, it is important to take steps to prevent bone fractures. Fractures can occur even without a fall. DEXA bone density scans are an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
Do You Get the Results After the Scan?
In my experience, a technician may give you a printout of the results and forward a copy along to your doctor or rheumatologist. You do not always get the results after as there is a concern you could misinterpret the data. Typically your doctor will analyze the results and should follow up within 24 to 48 hours.
How Accurate is a DEXA Scan for Bone Density?
A DEXA scan is the most accurate way to measure bone density. The test is reliable and precise. DEXA scans are considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis.
Where to Get a Dexa Bone Density Scan Near Me
DEXA bone density scans are available at many hospitals, universities imaging centers, and sports orthopedic facilities. You can see our homepage for more results.
DEXA Bone Density Scan Near Me – The Bottom Line
A DEXA bone density scan is a quick and painless way to measure bone density. The test is reliable and precise. DEXA scans are considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis. While certain people should not have the procedure, for most people it is harmless. That’s what I have learned from the place that does DEXA bone density scans near me.