A bone density test is used to check for signs of osteoporosis, a disease most common in menopausal and post-menopausal women, which causes bones to weaken and can cause serious fractures.
Typical costs:
For patients not covered by health insurance, the typical cost of a bone density test, including a doctor consultation to explain the results, is about $150 to $250. For example, Advanced Radiology Imaging Associates[1] in Florida charges $150 and PENRAD Imaging in Colorado charges $200.
A bone density test typically is covered by Medicare and private health insurance for patients at risk for osteoporosis or over a certain age. However, plans vary, so it is important to check ahead of time.
For patients covered by health insurance, the typical out-of-pocket cost would be a copay of $10 to $30 or coinsurance of between 10 and 40 percent of the total amount. For example, this BlueCross[2] plan allows a bone density test every two years for patients over 40 for a $25 copay. And with this Coventry[3] PPO plan, the patient pays 20 percent for an in-network provider, or 40 percent for out-of-network.
The most recommended type of bone density testing is Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), a 15-minute test in which a machine is used to measure the density of bones in certain areas of the body, usually the spine and hip, and sometimes the forearm. The
Mayo Clinic[4] has an overview of bone density tests.
Additional costs:
For patients found to have low bone density, the doctor might prescribe a medication, vitamin supplements and follow-up tests.
Discounts:
It is sometimes possible to find discounts on bone density tests, especially during May, which is National Osteoporosis Prevention Month. For example, OBG-1[5] offers a 20 percent discount that month.
Bone density scans that just test the bone in the wrist or arm or foot are offered in some drugstores for about $30 or even for free at many women's health fairs. However, these smaller machines generally are not considered as accurate as those that test the spine and hip and definitely should not be used to monitor treatment results for patients who already have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Shopping for a bone density test:
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, people who should consider having a bone density test include any women 65 or older and men 70 or older; postmenopausal women who have stopped taking estrogen therapy or hormone therapy; and postmenopausal women under 65 and men under 70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis, which include being small and thin, having a diet low in calcium, a lack of vitamin D, smoking or heavy alcohol consumption. Any men or women over 50 who break a bone also should consider a test.
Bone density tests do expose the patient to a tiny amount of radiation, but are considered safe and non-invasive.
A doctor usually prescribes a bone density test, which typically is performed at a hospital or radiology center. To get a test, visit your family doctor or gynecologist. Or, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists[6] offers a doctor finder by state.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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I had a bone density test 3 years ago, which was totally covered by my insurance. Because I am over 55 my doctor requested another test. Radiology Associates called the day before Thanksgiving (test is scheduled for the Monday after Thanksgiving) saying I have not met my high insurance deductible and will have to pay $145 or they will not do the test. I pay a very high monthly insurance premium, and do NOT understand how a bone density test can be covered in 2014 but NOT covered in 2017!
Received annual Dexa scans in PA since 2009 and paid less than $100 each year. Moved to Indiana and the cost after the insurance is $595.62. I called InnerVision and they said the high cost is associated with the facility being tied to a hospital. Basically independent Dexa center will charge 10 times less. Do not get Dexa scans from a facility tied to a hospital!
The charge was $749 and my part was $360. When I asked, they said they were able to negotiate these prices as they are a hospital-owned facility and they have to cover a lot of services for people. Basically we are subsidizing their hospital without our consent for what is in reality not truly a hospital-based service. I most certainly would have gone elsewhere had I had been informed consent about the cost. After all, it is a simple and low/old technology where the prices quoted in the article are more reasonable to expect. There is no true competition in healthcare because the only option we have is no healthcare. We are forced to pay if we need care or medication.
This test was done at a women's center within a hospital. My insurance company adjusted the payment down to $1202.88. I have not met my deductible yet so I have to pay amount! Two years ago I had the test done at Precision Imaging for $183 and when I ran my insurance company's cost estimator, it says a bone density test in my area should be about $180. What I have learned is DO NOT have any tests done at a hospital or a medical center. They totally overcharge patients.
I was billed $1,137.00 and my insurance paid $450.00, leaving me with $687.00 out-of-pocket. If I DIDN'T have insurance, I would have paid $285.00 according to their sliding scale. I contested and they didn't budge. I got penalized for having insurance! I was told "if you can afford insurance, you can afford the scan."
It was recommended that I have the test after breaking my foot at my job at another hospital. The test took about five minutes and was administered by a young person who appeared to have just graduated from some sort of medical program. I never saw an MD, only the bill. It was paid for in full with my credit card. It will cost every dollar I make for the next eight weeks at my part time job.
I paid $270 per year in 2011 and 2012 -- now this Imaging place has billed my insurance over $3000 and I am appealing it. How can it go up 10 times over a year??
I'm not sure the prices in this article are accurate. I had to have a bone density test and the fees were horribly high. Also, my insurance would not help pay since I'm in my twenties. I'm due for another bone density test next month and I will have to skip it because it's just way too expensive. (I have osteopenia as a result of my past struggle with anorexia.)
Not sure, but I am going to find out. They billed my insurance $1508.00 My insurance says they only cover $1100.84. Which is my portion since my deductable has not been met.
IS THIS POSSIBLE?
According to your article it should be less than $250.00.
Paid $120.00 for bone densitytest. 11 months later was informed I had an outstanding balance of $450.00 for doctor's fee. I was told that two statements had been mailed to me, which I never received, plus I was not informed by anyone that the test cost this amount. I was very shocked !
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