A Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a small dose of ionizing radiation to measure tissue composition. Its primary use is to evaluate bone mineral density, which is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk. The scan is also frequently used in fitness and wellness settings to provide a detailed breakdown of body composition, including lean muscle mass and body fat percentage. Because a DEXA scan can be performed for different reasons and in various locations, the total cost a patient may incur is highly variable.
The Typical Cost Range
For an individual paying out-of-pocket, the national average cost of a DEXA scan varies significantly. A diagnostic bone density scan, often performed in a medical setting, commonly costs between $150 and $400. This price generally includes the technical fee for the scan and the professional fee for a radiologist to interpret the results.
The sticker price for a full-body composition scan, which is usually considered elective, is often lower, ranging from $50 to $250. This difference reflects the setting, as wellness clinics or private facilities specializing in body composition often offer lower rates than hospitals. Some providers offer multi-scan packages or membership discounts that can bring the per-scan cost down.
Variables Affecting Pricing
The ultimate price a patient pays for a DEXA scan is influenced by several factors related to the provider and the scan’s purpose. The type of facility is one of the most significant variables. Hospitals and large medical imaging centers often have higher overhead costs, leading to charges that frequently exceed $300 for a diagnostic scan.
Conversely, independent, non-hospital-affiliated imaging centers or private health and fitness clinics offer lower prices, sometimes falling below $150. Geographic location also plays a role, as facilities in major metropolitan areas generally charge more than those in rural areas. The scan’s primary objective is also a factor; a diagnostic bone density test requires a physician’s referral and radiologist interpretation, while an elective body composition scan does not.
The relationship between the patient’s insurance plan and the facility, known as network status, also affects the cost structure. An out-of-network provider may charge a significantly higher rate than a facility that has negotiated discounted rates with the patient’s insurance company. This difference in base price is what subsequent co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles are calculated from.
Navigating Insurance and Payment Options
Insurance coverage for a DEXA scan is contingent upon the scan being deemed medically necessary, typically limiting coverage to bone density testing. Most private insurance plans and Medicare Part B cover the procedure for specific high-risk groups. Coverage criteria include:
- Women aged 65 and older.
- Men aged 70 and older.
- Individuals with a vertebral fracture.
- Those taking long-term steroid medication, which causes bone loss.
Coverage is commonly approved once every 24 months, though a physician can certify a need for more frequent monitoring. Scans performed solely for body composition analysis are considered elective and are almost never covered by medical insurance. Patients seeking this type of scan should expect to pay the full self-pay price.
Even with coverage, patients are responsible for various out-of-pocket costs, including the co-pay (a fixed amount) or co-insurance (a percentage of the allowed charge). If the annual deductible has not been met, the patient may be responsible for the entire negotiated charge until that threshold is reached. To reduce these costs, patients can ask the facility for a self-pay discount, as many providers offer lower cash rates to avoid the administrative complexity of billing insurance. Patients can also utilize Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds for covered or self-paid medical procedures.