Osteoporosis Screening / Bone Density Scan
The bone density scan is the most complete evaluation of a person’s bone density status.
Osteoporosis is an acquired disease characterized by low-density bones and low bone strength. It silently progresses as individuals age, leading to crippling effects when left undiagnosed. There are 44 million men (around 20%) and women (around 80%) in the United States currently living with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures, especially of the hip and spine.
For your best chances at maintaining full mobility and confidence, regular bone density scans can be performed inexpensively, quickly, and non-invasively. Patients lie down with the scanner suspended above them for a short period of time, during which the scan provides valuable information on bone mineral density. If the test shows a patient has osteoporosis, they can work with their doctor to take steps now to increase bone strength and future fracture risk.
Medicare will pay for a bone density exam every two years, though your physician may feel it is necessary to do an exam more often if you have certain risk factors or underlying medical disorders. We recommend that you verify your insurance coverage prior to your exam.
Once scheduled for a bone density scan, our office will give you detailed instruction on how to prepare for your exam.