What is a "DEXA" scan?
DEXA is an abbreviation for "Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry". This is a special x-ray procedure that determines the strength of your bones. Bone
strength is assessed by measuring the bone density so a DEXA scanner is sometimes called a "bone densitometer." Other means
of assessing bone strength are also available but a DEXA scan is currently the most accurate method and it uses the lowest
amount of radiation (a standard chest x-ray exposes you to 10 times more radiation than a DEXA scan). Our DEXA scanner is
a state of the art machine. All of our bone densitometry technologists are fully certified.
What are the risk factors for developing Osteoporosis?
- Post-menopause (either surgical or natural)
- Caucasian or Asian
- Have a history of a fracture after the age of 50
- Have a loss of height
- Have a thin, petite build
- Have a family history of osteoporosis
- Smoking
- Drink 2 or more alcoholic beverages everyday
- Have inadequate calcium intake
- Have an inactive lifestyle
- Use certain medications, especially steroids
How is a DEXA scan done?
Basically, all you have to do is lie flat on a table while the scanner moves over the top of your body. Generally, the
bone density is measured at 2 different sites in the body, usually the hip (or femur) and the spine (or vertebral column).
The actual scanning time is about 10 minutes per site but you should allot 60 minutes for the entire procedure.
Preparation for the test
Plan to arrive at our office about 10 minutes prior to your appointment time. You will need to fill out a history form.
In addition, you should note the following information:
- CLOTHING: Wear loose comfortable clothing. No metal buttons, zippers, or snaps. Do not wear a girdle. Do not wear blue
jeans.
- DIET/MEDICATION: If you are taking a calcium supplement, do not use it for 48 hours before your exam.
- PAST MEDICAL HISTORY: Remind the technologist if you have had any back or hip surgery.
How much does the DEXA cost?
- SCREENING: Medicare began coverage of screening DEXA on July 1, 1998. A repeat screening
is covered once every 24 months. A woman who is past menopause (that is, she is no longer producing estrogen) and is "at risk"
for osteoporosis should qualify for a screening DEXA.
- NON-Screening: Medicare will also pay for a DEXA in specific situations other than screening
including:
- Patients who have been noted to have "thin bones" or certain fractures on a conventional bone x-ray.
- Patients who are taking more than 7.5 mg of prednisone per day.
- Patients with an overactive parathyroid gland.
- Patients already taking an FDA approved drug for the treatment of osteoporosis to see how well it is working.
If your DEXA scan shows osteoporosis and you are started on a prescription medication to treat osteoporosis, a DEXA scan
performed 1 year after starting treatment will be covered. A repeat screening DEXA is covered once every 24 months.
Who should not have this test?
You should not have this test if:
- You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
- You had another x-ray within the last week that used contrast media. This would include a barium enema (colon
x-ray), an upper GI (stomach x-ray) or some CAT scans.
- You had a nuclear scan in the past week (includes a bone scan, thyroid study, etc.).
