Bone Density Test Cost

How Much Does a Bone Density Test Cost?

With Insurance: Copays of $10-$30 or more, or Coinsurance

Without Insurance: Typically $150-$250

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 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 plan allows a bone density test every two years for patients over 40 for a $25 copay. And with this Coventry PPO plan, the patient pays 20 percent for an in-network provider, or 40 percent for out-of-network.

What should be included:

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 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 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 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.

Article updated August 2009