A DEXA scan is the gold standard for measuring bone density and diagnosing osteoporosis, but the cost of a DEXA scan can vary significantly depending on where you get it done and whether you have insurance. Without coverage, expect to pay between $100 and $400 for this quick and painless procedure.
Also known as a DXA scan or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, this test takes just 10 to 20 minutes and delivers critical information about your bone health. Understanding the cost of a DEXA scan ahead of time helps you plan financially and avoid surprise bills.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan uses two low-dose X-ray beams to measure bone mineral density (BMD), primarily in the hip and spine. The results are reported as a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old adult. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, a T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis.
Beyond bone density, DEXA scans are increasingly used for body composition analysis, measuring fat mass, lean muscle mass, and visceral fat with high accuracy. This secondary use has gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts and patients managing metabolic conditions.
DEXA Scan Cost Without Insurance
The cost of a DEXA scan without insurance depends on the facility type and your location:
Hospital-based radiology department: $200 to $400. Hospitals tend to charge the most due to facility fees and overhead costs. Freestanding imaging center: $100 to $250. Independent imaging centers typically offer the most competitive pricing for DEXA scans. Doctor’s office with on-site DEXA: $150 to $300. Some orthopedic, endocrinology, and primary care offices have their own DEXA machines. Body composition DEXA scan: $50 to $150. Fitness and wellness clinics offer body composition scans at lower prices since they are typically self-pay and not billed through insurance.
These prices usually include the scan itself and the radiologist’s interpretation. However, always confirm what is included in the quoted price before your appointment. For more on medical imaging costs, see our healthcare costs guide.
DEXA Scan Cost With Insurance
Medicare and most commercial insurance plans cover DEXA scans for bone density screening when medically indicated. Under Medicare guidelines, bone density testing is covered once every 24 months for qualifying patients, including women age 65 and older, men age 70 and older, and individuals with risk factors for osteoporosis.
With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost for a DEXA scan is typically $0 to $75, depending on your deductible and copay structure. Many plans cover screening DEXA scans as preventive care with no cost-sharing. However, body composition DEXA scans are rarely covered by insurance since they are considered elective.
Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends bone density screening for all women age 65 and older and for younger postmenopausal women with risk factors. Risk factors include a family history of osteoporosis, low body weight, smoking, excessive alcohol use, long-term corticosteroid use, and certain medical conditions.
For men, screening is generally recommended at age 70 or earlier if risk factors are present. Your doctor may also order a DEXA scan if you have experienced a fragility fracture, have lost height, or are taking medications that affect bone density.
How to Save on a DEXA Scan
Choose a freestanding imaging center: These facilities consistently offer the lowest prices for DEXA scans, often 40-60% less than hospital-based facilities. Use online tools to compare prices at imaging centers in your area.
Ask about cash-pay pricing: Many imaging centers offer discounted rates for patients who pay out of pocket at the time of service. The cash price is often lower than the negotiated insurance rate, especially if you have a high-deductible plan. Check if you qualify for free screening: Some community health events and osteoporosis awareness programs offer free or low-cost bone density screenings. Organizations like the National Osteoporosis Foundation may have information on local screening events.
Use your insurance preventive care benefits: If you meet the age and risk factor criteria, a screening DEXA scan should be covered as preventive care. Make sure your provider codes it correctly as a screening rather than a diagnostic test to avoid unexpected charges. Body composition scans at fitness clinics: If you only want body composition data and not a medical bone density assessment, fitness-oriented DEXA clinics offer scans for as little as $50.
What to Expect During a DEXA Scan
A DEXA scan is one of the simplest medical imaging procedures. You lie fully clothed on a padded table while a scanning arm passes over your body. The entire process takes 10 to 20 minutes, involves no injections or contrast dye, and exposes you to very low levels of radiation, less than a standard chest X-ray.
Results are typically available within a few days. Your doctor will review your T-score and Z-score with you and discuss whether treatment or lifestyle changes are recommended. Follow-up scans are usually performed every one to two years to monitor changes in bone density.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
For initial screening, Medicare covers a DEXA scan every 24 months. If you are being treated for osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend follow-up scans every one to two years to monitor your response to treatment. More frequent scanning is generally not necessary and may not be covered by insurance.
Is a DEXA scan the same as a bone density test?
Yes. DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is the most widely used and accurate type of bone density test. There are other methods, such as peripheral DEXA and ultrasound-based screening, but central DEXA of the hip and spine is considered the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis.
Do I need a referral for a DEXA scan?
Most insurance plans require a physician’s order for a covered DEXA scan. However, many imaging centers and body composition clinics allow self-referral for cash-pay patients. Check with your insurance plan to understand their referral requirements.
Can a DEXA scan detect anything besides osteoporosis?
A bone density DEXA scan is specifically designed to assess bone health. However, body composition DEXA scans provide detailed information about fat distribution, lean muscle mass, and visceral fat levels, which can be useful for managing conditions like obesity, sarcopenia, and metabolic syndrome.
Protect Your Bones Without Breaking Your Budget
The cost of a DEXA scan is modest compared to the expense of treating osteoporotic fractures, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars and significantly impact quality of life. If you are in a higher-risk group, talk to your doctor about scheduling a bone density test. Early detection gives you the best chance to strengthen your bones through medication, exercise, and dietary changes before a fracture occurs.