How Much Does A Bone Density Scan Cost?

Last Updated on June 28, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Bone density scans play a crucial role in assessing bone health and detecting conditions like osteoporosis. But what’s the true cost of this vital diagnostic exam?

Many factors influence pricing, so it’s essential to understand the cost landscape when budgeting for a bone density test. This detailed guide breaks down the average bone density scan costs at hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics. It explains fee variances based on region, insurance, facility fees, and more. You’ll also learn money-saving tips for affordability along with guidance on when testing is recommended.

While not cheap, a bone density exam delivers potentially lifesaving insight into bone health and fracture risk. With proper financial planning, these scans can fit into most healthcare budgets, providing invaluable peace of mind.

How Much Does A Bone Density Scan Cost?

On average, the cost of a bone density scan is $150 to $600 out-of-pocket, depending on your insurance coverage and location. Uninsured patients may spend $300 to $1,000 or more if paying completely in cash.

Where your bone density scan occurs significantly influences pricing:

Hospital – Because they incur higher equipment, staffing and overhead costs, hospital-based bone density scans range from $400 to $800 on average.

Medical Imaging Center – Specialized imaging clinics offer scans ranging $250 to $500 by leveraging economies of scale while boasting advanced technology.

Private Doctor’s Office – Basic scans administered in a physician’s office average $150 to $350 due to lower overhead but also less sophisticated machines.

Mobile Screening Company – Mobile screening vans provide scans for $200 to $500, offering accessibility but with older equipment.

Hospitals are the most expensive venue to receive bone density scans in most cases.

According to Healthline, the average cost of a bone density scan in the US ranges from $100 to $600, with most scans costing between $150 and $300. They note that the price can vary depending on the location, whether the scan is performed in a hospital or an outpatient facility, and whether insurance covers the cost.

Healthline also mentions that Medicare typically covers bone density scans for beneficiaries who meet certain criteria, such as being a woman aged 65 or older or having certain risk factors for osteoporosis.

Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation reports that the cost of a bone density scan can vary widely, with prices ranging from $100 to $600 or more. They highlight that the scan is usually covered by Medicare and many private insurance plans, but patients may still be responsible for a portion of the cost, such as a deductible or copay.

The Foundation also notes that some facilities offer discounted rates for uninsured patients.

Radiology Info states that the cost of a bone density scan can range from $100 to $400 or more, depending on the facility and the region. They mention that Medicare and many private insurers cover the cost of bone density scans for individuals who meet certain criteria, such as being a woman aged 65 or older or having a history of fractures. Radiology Info also advises patients to check with their insurance provider to determine their coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.

Osteoporosis Foundation of New Mexico reports that the average cost of a bone density scan in New Mexico ranges from $150 to $300, with most scans costing around $200. They note that the price can vary depending on the facility and whether the scan is performed in a hospital or an outpatient clinic. The Foundation also mentions that Medicare and many private insurers cover the cost of bone density scans for individuals who meet certain criteria.

Bone Density Scan Cost Without Insurance

For uninsured or underinsured patients, out-of-pocket costs increase dramatically across locations:

Hospital Scan – $600 to $1,000+

Imaging Center – $400 to $700

Doctor’s Office – $250 to $500

Mobile Screening – $300 to $600

When insurance coverage is limited, shop around at multiple imaging providers to compare rates and look for discounts. Also check if any financial assistance programs apply.

What is a Bone Density Scan?

Also known as a DEXA scan or DXA scan, a bone density scan uses advanced low-dose x-ray technology called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry to measure the density and mineral content of bones. It can detect even subtle decreases in bone mass.

The scan focuses on areas most vulnerable to osteoporosis and fracture like the hip, spine, wrist, and ribs. The painless test takes 10 to 30 minutes and exposes patients to less radiation than a chest x-ray.

Bone density scans help diagnose:

• Osteoporosis
• Fracture risk
• Calcium deficiencies
• Bone-impacting diseases

Results establish a baseline for treatment and monitoring.

Factors Affecting the Cost

Several variables affect the out-of-pocket cost of bone density testing:

Location and Facility – Hospital affiliated scans cost 50-100% more than private imaging centers or clinics.

Insurance Coverage and Deductibles – Less coverage means higher personal fees, while Medicare and Medicaid fully cover scans.

Geographic Region – Major cities like San Francisco and New York have premium healthcare pricing up to 200% above rural areas.

Individual Provider Fees – Rates vary based on the imaging technicians and radiologists conducting and interpreting your scan.

Additional Tests – Add-on imaging exams increase overall costs.

Medical Insurance Coverage

The amount covered varies significantly depending on your specific plan:

Medicare – Medicare provides 100% coverage for bone density scans deemed medically necessary, requiring no out-of-pocket costs. This includes one scan every two years, or more frequently if medically justified.

Medicaid – Medicaid also fully covers bone density testing when ordered as a preventive service, with no out-of-pocket fees in most states.

Private Insurance – Most private insurers cover 70% to 100% of bone density scans when considered preventive or diagnostically necessary. This still leaves co-insurance or deductibles of $100 to $300.

Uninsured – Without any insurance, expect to pay the full scan cost out-of-pocket, making price shopping and negotiated discounts essential.

Always verify your health insurance benefits. Never assume expensive tests are covered.

Getting an Affordable Bone Density Scan

Some tactics to reduce bone density scan costs if uninsured or underinsured include:

• Use imaging providers in your health insurance network to maximize coverage
• Compare prices and patient incentives from multiple facilities
• Ask if any income-based sliding fee scales are available
• Inquire about new patient discounts and package deals
• Use tax-advantaged health accounts to pay if available
• Look for special pricing offers on sites like Groupon

With some good shopping, bone density scans can remain reasonably affordable even for self-pay patients.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a Titer test, a Karyotype test, or an Exogen Bone Healing System.

Should You Get a Bone Density Scan?

Medical experts recommend bone density testing for:

• Women age 65+ to screen for osteoporosis risk
• Men age 70+ to check bone deterioration
• Adults with diseases that affect bone health like rheumatoid arthritis or hyperparathyroidism
• Postmenopausal women under 65 with additional risk factors
• Anyone with broken bones or family history of weak bones
• Monitoring treatment progress in those with diagnosed osteoporosis

Baseline scans establish bone density so future changes can be monitored over time. Testing also guides treatment decisions when bone loss is found.

Long Term Cost Planning for Monitoring

Since bone loss occurs gradually, periodic bone density scans help identify changes:

Low to Medium Risk Patients

• Scan every 2-5 years
• Out-of-pocket costs of $750 – $2,500 over decade

High Risk Patients

• Test every 1-3 years as needed
• $1,500 – $4,500 per decade

Factor repeat testing into long-term health budgets, leveraging insurance and negotiated pricing.

Geographic Variations in Pricing

Where patients undergo bone density exams greatly impacts out-of-pocket fees:

Major Metropolitan Areas – Cities like New York, Chicago, Seattle, Miami and Los Angeles with premium healthcare pricing range from 20-50% above national averages.

Second-Tier Metro Areas – Mid-size cities such as Houston, Phoenix, Denver, and St. Louis fall much closer to national pricing norms with modest premiums around 10-15% above average.

Rural and Small Towns – Sparsely populated rural areas offer significant savings, with bone density scans costing potentially hundreds less than urban hospital systems. But availability is also lower.

When possible, schedule bone density testing in lower-cost regions to maximize savings while still choosing accredited facilities.

Final Words

Bone density scans, while not normally cheap, provide an invaluable window into skeletal health. With the range of pricing factors explained in this guide, patients can now better estimate their out-of-pocket costs.

Those with limited insurance coverage also have several options to keep bone density testing reasonably affordable within their healthcare budget. Remember to always discuss the need for and results of bone density scans with your providers to ensure appropriate, cost-effective use of this important assessment tool. By planning ahead with pricing knowledge, monitoring bone health can become financially accessible to all.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a bone density scan last?

Bone density test results are considered valid for 1-5 years in most patients. Those with higher risk require more frequent testing every 1-3 years. Changes usually happen gradually over time.

How often do you need a bone scan?

Most guidelines recommend testing every 1-5 years depending on age, gender, risk factors, and results. Women over age 65 and those postmenopausal with other risks need to be tested more frequently.

What is considered a significant change in bone density?

A significant change is defined as a loss of 3-6% bone mineral density within 12 months. More gradual 1-2% decreases over 2-3 years are less concerning. Discuss all results with your healthcare provider.