Bone Density Test Cost

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.

• For patients found to have low bone density, the doctor might prescribe a medication, vitamin supplements and follow-up tests.

• 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.

• 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.

1.  www.aria-images.com/services.html
2.  hr.ua.edu/benefits/HRhealthplanchanges.html
3.  chcdelaware.coventryhealthcare.com/
4.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/bone-density-test/MY00304
5.  www.obg-1.com/news/index.cfm?fq=21
6.  www.acog.org/About_ACOG/Find_an_Ob-Gyn

Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care		How Much Does Medical Marijuana Cost?		How Much Do Braces Cost?		How Much Does Hip Replacement Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

The hot summer weather has started. How much does central air conditioning cost? We give our advice on where to buy Purell and hand sanitizers. Looking for an indoor pet? Usage of streaming services is skyrocketing. We list the current deals. Staying cool during the summer also means on the road. We cover the cost of car air conditioning.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Replace Toilet Wax Ring (DIY) Paid: 25.00 Cost could have been cheaper, but previous owners hired a plumber and contractor who didn't do the job right. So we ran into problems. The first wax ring didn't work, so we had to buy the old fashioned type... [more] -JT Holm Toilet Repair Cost Plumbing totourial Paid: 0.00 I am appalled by some of these charges myself and yes plumbers have a hard,disgusting and exhausting job and it’s not for everyone... [more] -Caleb Domec Plumber Cost Ischemic stroke Paid: 89000.00 I had a CT scan, they called helicopter to transfer to trauma hospital in Atlanta, but neurosurgeon there said the stroke is is I n a deep area, and would be too dangerously to remove the clot surgically... [more] -Marie-Jose Stroke Treatment Cost Connective tissue graft Paid: 1300.00 Had to get a connective tissue graft for three of my teeth on my lower left and likely will need a few more done down the road (genetics). The procedure took about an hour and was pain-free... [more] - Gum Tissue Graft Cost Alaska propane pricing 2020 Paid: 130.71 No contract price is $3.87 x 32.8 gallons + $3.81 fee = delivered remote Cooper Landing Alaska. New contract renewal $1.91/gallon for delivery plus propane cost which I need to check on... [more] -Keith Mantey Propane Cost Funeral Paid: 160.00 Can somebody contact me... [more] -Terrance Samuel Releasing Doves Cost