How to Make an Appointment

Please complete the osteoporosis questionnaire while you are waiting for your appointment. One of our clinical staff members will screen your responses. If you are at risk for osteoporosis, we will schedule you for a bone density study.

The study may be done 7 days a week, and can be worked around your schedule!

If your study is completely normal, we will provide you with the results along with any other recommendations. If you have any evidence of decreased bone density, we will schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss treatment options.

DEXA Scans and Bone Mineral Density Testing

A bone mineral density (BMD) test is the best way to detect if your bones are thinning. A DEXA Scan can detect thinning bones before a fracture occurs and help to predict your chances of having a fracture in the future.

What does DEXA stand for? Dexa stands for ‘Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry’. It is the most commonly used test for measuring bone mineral density. It is one of the most accurate ways to diagnosis Osteopenia or Osteoporosis. The test is so accurate that your follow-up DEXA scan can be used to monitor your treatment, and to learn if your plan is working.

Who should have this test? The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s guidelines state that women over 65, younger post-menopausal women who have any of the osteoporosis risk factors , and those with specific fractures should be tested. Men are also at risk for Osteoporosis as they age - especially if they have some of the causes of Osteopenia or Osteoporosis

Some risk factors linked to osteoporosis:

Gender (women have a greater chance than men)
Age (older people have a higher risk)
Small thin-boned women are at greater risk
Caucasian and Asian women have the highest risk
Family history of fractures
Low hormone levels in women AND men
Eating disorders
Lifetime low levels of calcium and vitamin D
Inactive lifestyle or extended bed rest
Cigarette smoking
Excessive alcohol use

Is there any one who should not have this test?

You should not have the test if you are pregnant or think you are pregnant.
If you have had another x-ray with contrast media in the last
7 days (some examples: barium enema, upper GI , some CAT scans]
If you have had a nuclear scan (including bone scan and thyroid study) in the last 7 days, you should not have this test.

Why not use a regular X-ray or a CAT scan? DEXA Scans are used to measure bone mineral density because they:

are more accurate than regular X-rays. A person would need to lose 20-30% of their bone density before it would show up on an X-ray.
require less radiation exposure than CAT scans or Radiographic Absorptiometry. In fact you are exposed to more radiation on a coast to coast airline flight than you are during a dexa scan.
are less costly that other tests. Currently the cost is usually about $250.00.

IN THE COMFORT OF OUR OFFICE, WE CAN PERFORM THIS PAINLESS EXAM IN LESS THAN 20 MINUTES.

How should I prepare for the test?
This is a non-invasive test and requires very little preparation. If you are taking calcium supplements, stop taking them for 48 hours before your test. If you are taking any medications for Osteopenia or Osteoporosis, do not take them the day of your test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of the test.

Do wear loose clothing that has no metal zippers, metal buttons etc., (or you will need to disrobe).

If you wear any kind of metal jewelry, you will need to remove it before the test.

Be sure to tell the technician if you have had any hip or back injury. And since most technicians will measure the hip of your non-dominant hand, it is worth mentioning if you are left-handed.

Will my insurance pay for this test?
Currently DEXA scans cost about $250. Some insurance companies will pay for the test - especially if you have any of the risk factors. Do check with your insurance company.

Medicare: Medicare will cover an initial screening and a repeat screening once every 24 months. If your DEXA scan shows osteoporosis and you begin taking a prescription medication to treat this condition, Medicare will cover a repeat scan after 1 year to see if the treatment is working. Repeat screenings are covered every 2 years.

Medicare will also cover the cost in specific situations: a. patients who have thin bones or certain fractures. b. patients taking more than 7.5mg of prednisone per day c. patients with an over-active thyroid patients taking an FDA approved drug for the treatment of osteoporosis to see how well the drug is working.

When will I get my results? You can ask the technician when the results are likely to be mailed to your health care provider. Most technicians will be able to tell you this. Or, you can check with your doctor.

Content adapted from an article on www.osteopenia3.com.