Bone density tests are available at hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, endocrinology clinics, and some private wellness facilities. Most scans require a doctor’s order, so your first step is typically a conversation with your primary care provider or an endocrinologist who can write the referral and help you find a nearby location.
Types of Facilities That Offer Bone Density Scans
The gold-standard bone density test is a central DEXA scan, which measures bone mineral density at your hip and spine. These machines are large and housed in dedicated rooms, so you’ll find them at hospital radiology departments, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers, and specialty clinics (particularly endocrinology and rheumatology practices). Large health systems often have DEXA scanners at multiple satellite locations, not just the main hospital campus, so you may have a convenient option closer to home than you expect.
Independent imaging centers are another common option. These facilities focus exclusively on diagnostic scans and often offer shorter wait times and lower prices than hospital-based locations. A quick search for “DEXA scan” or “bone density test” along with your city name will usually turn up several choices.
You may also encounter peripheral bone density tests at pharmacies, health fairs, or mobile screening events. These use smaller, portable devices to scan your heel, wrist, or finger. While they can flag potential bone loss, they are not interchangeable with a central DEXA scan. Research comparing peripheral and central measurements has found significant disagreement between the two, with wrist scores reading substantially lower than hip or spine scores in the same person. The World Health Organization’s definition of osteoporosis is based on central DEXA results, so a peripheral scan is best thought of as a preliminary screening tool rather than a definitive diagnosis.
How to Find an Accredited Facility
The International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) maintains a searchable online directory of accredited bone density facilities. Accredited sites have demonstrated competence in performing and interpreting DEXA scans. You can filter the directory by state or country at the ISCD website. Your doctor’s office can also refer you directly to a facility they trust, and your insurance company’s provider search tool will show in-network options that minimize your out-of-pocket cost.
Who Should Get Tested
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends bone density screening for all women aged 65 and older. For postmenopausal women younger than 65 who have risk factors for osteoporosis, screening is also recommended. Risk factors include a history of fractures, long-term steroid use, low body weight, smoking, a family history of osteoporosis, and conditions that affect calcium absorption.
Guidelines for men are less uniform, but testing is generally recommended for men over 70 or younger men with significant risk factors. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, your doctor can use a fracture risk assessment tool to help decide.
What the Test Costs
Without insurance, a hospital-based bone density scan typically runs $150 to $400. Independent imaging centers and private wellness facilities tend to charge $150 to $300. Some wellness-focused body composition scans (which use DEXA technology but focus on fat and muscle rather than bone) cost as little as $40 to $200, though these are not the same as a diagnostic bone density test.
When your doctor orders a bone density scan to diagnose or monitor osteoporosis, most private insurance plans and Medicare cover it. Coverage requires a physician’s order documenting medical necessity. That documentation might reference your age, a history of fractures, long-term corticosteroid use, or a condition affecting calcium absorption. Before scheduling, call your insurer to confirm coverage and ask whether the facility you’ve chosen is in-network.
What to Expect on Test Day
A DEXA scan is painless and fast. The entire appointment takes about 10 minutes. You lie fully clothed on a padded table while a scanning arm passes over your body, measuring bone density at the hip and spine. The radiation dose is extremely low, a fraction of what you’d receive from a standard chest X-ray.
Preparation is minimal. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your scan. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zippers, belts, or buttons. Do not take calcium supplements or antacids containing calcium the morning of the exam, as residual calcium in your digestive tract can interfere with the scan’s accuracy.
Getting Your Results
Results are typically available to your doctor within 3 to 5 business days. Your report will include a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old. A T-score of -1.0 or above is considered normal. Scores between -1.0 and -2.5 indicate low bone density (sometimes called osteopenia), and a score of -2.5 or lower means osteoporosis. Your doctor will use this number, along with your overall health profile, to recommend next steps such as lifestyle changes, supplements, or medication if needed.