DEXA Scan Cost in 2026: How Much It Costs and Where to Get One
DEXA Scan Cost Breakdown
| Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Without insurance (self-pay) | $75-250 |
| With private insurance (copay) | $0-50 |
| Medicare (women 65+, men 70+) | $0 (every 2 years) |
| Direct-to-consumer screening event | $40-100 |
| Full body composition DEXA | $150-350 |
The cost varies significantly by location. Urban areas and hospital-based facilities tend to charge more than standalone radiology centers. Cash-pay patients should always ask about self-pay discounts — many facilities offer 30-50% off the listed price.
Where to Get a DEXA Scan
Hospital radiology departments
Most hospitals with imaging departments offer DEXA scans. Pros: covered by insurance when ordered by a physician. Cons: usually the most expensive option for self-pay, and scheduling can take 2-4 weeks.
Independent radiology centers
Standalone imaging centers often offer lower prices than hospitals for the same scan. Many accept walk-ins or offer next-day appointments. This is often the best option for self-pay patients.
Orthopedic and endocrinology clinics
Some specialist clinics have in-office DEXA machines. The advantage is that the ordering physician can review results immediately. Ask your doctor if their office has one.
Mobile screening services
Some organizations run bone density screening events at community centers, pharmacies, and health fairs. These use peripheral DEXA or ultrasound devices that measure heel or wrist bone density — less accurate than a central DEXA (hip and spine) but useful as an initial screening tool. Cost: $40-100.
Direct-to-consumer options
Companies like DexaFit and BodySpec offer DEXA scans for body composition analysis (not just bone density) at retail locations. Prices range from $150-350 for a full body composition scan that includes bone density data.
When Should You Get a DEXA Scan?
Standard screening guidelines recommend DEXA scans for:
- All women age 65 and older
- All men age 70 and older
- Postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors (family history, low body weight, smoking, prior fracture)
- Anyone who has had a fragility fracture
- Anyone on long-term corticosteroids (3+ months)
- Anyone with conditions that affect bone metabolism (hyperparathyroidism, celiac disease, etc.)
If you are in the osteopenia range (T-score -1.0 to -2.5), a follow-up DEXA every 2 years is standard to track changes. If you have started a bone health program, a re-scan at 12-18 months provides the most meaningful comparison.
How to Get Insurance to Cover Your DEXA Scan
Insurance is most likely to cover a DEXA scan when:
- Your doctor orders it with a qualifying diagnosis code (osteoporosis, osteopenia, or risk factor screening)
- You meet age criteria (65+ women, 70+ men)
- You have documented risk factors in your medical record
- It has been at least 2 years since your last scan (Medicare requirement)
Tip: Ask your doctor to use diagnosis code Z87.310 (personal history of osteoporosis) or M81.0 (age-related osteoporosis) when ordering. Generic “screening” codes are more likely to be denied.
What to Expect During a DEXA Scan
A DEXA scan takes 10-20 minutes. You lie on a padded table while a low-dose X-ray arm passes over your body. It is painless and requires no preparation — no fasting, no contrast dye, no needle. You can eat and drink normally beforehand. Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers or buttons.
Results are usually available within 1-3 days. Your report will include T-scores for hip and lumbar spine (the two most clinically important sites).
For help understanding your results: How to Read Your DEXA Scan Results
For the complete bone health framework: The Bone Density Solution review
FAQ
How much does a DEXA scan cost without insurance?
$75-250 at most facilities. Standalone radiology centers are usually cheaper than hospitals. Always ask about self-pay discounts.
Does Medicare cover DEXA scans?
Yes. Medicare covers one DEXA scan every 2 years for women 65+ and men 70+, or for anyone with qualifying risk factors. There is typically no copay.
Can I get a DEXA scan without a doctor order?
Some direct-to-consumer facilities (DexaFit, BodySpec) offer DEXA scans without a physician order. However, insurance will not cover self-ordered scans.
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
Every 2 years is standard for monitoring. After starting a new bone health program or medication, a re-scan at 12-18 months provides the best comparison data.
