Frequently Asked Questions

*includes visceral fat

That depends on your policy. Bone density scans are often covered under radiology costs. Body composition scans are usually not covered. We are affiliated with Southern Cross, and we get a prior approval for bone density scans and invoice them directly if you supply us with your membership number. (Please note that body composition scans are not covered by Sothern Cross at this time.) If you have other Health Insurance, then you can apply for prior approval on the day of your appointment.

We usually send a copy to your referring doctor (and GP if referred by a Specialist) and we could send you a copy if you request. Please give your email address to the technician or office staff when making your appointment.

No, you lie on the open scanner bed for about 20 minutes. The technician is sitting in the same room. DXA scan is safe, simple, quick and non-invasive.

Avoid wearing any metal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid buckles, zips and underwire bras if possible - Pacemakers are okay. If you have any surgical metalware, such as hip or knee replacements, that cannot be removed – you can still get a scan. - If you have recently had a barium examination or received an injection of contrast material for a CT scan or Radioisotope scan advise the staff when making your appointment. You should wait approximately one week before your DXA scan, as the contrast material can affect the scan.

Minimal, about 1/10th of a chest X-ray and less than a day’s exposure to natural background radiation (environment).

For a bone density scan only 30 minutes, for a bone density and body composition about 45 minutes.

That depends on whether your fracture risk is increased, your stage of life, and whether treatment is given. The endocrinologist reporting the scan will recommend a follow up interval, and you can discuss it with your doctor.

DXA scans use low dose X-rays and accurately measure the important parts of the body (lower spine, hips and if needed, forearm) whereas a foot scan uses sound waves and only measures your heel bone as a screening tool. Heel scans are not currently recommended by international experts for assessment of bone health, but DXA is.

Joints and some fractured areas cannot readily be measured as the scanner is not equipped to scan these areas, and the standard hip and spine scan results correlate well with fracture risk at any site.

The reporting endocrinologist combines your scan results and clinical information (age, gender, fracture history etc) to diagnose your fracture risk (using two fracture prediction calculators), and if your fracture risk is significantly increased treatment may be recommended. Ultimately, a decision to take treatment is made by you and your own doctor.

Yes please, it will aid in comparison with current values, although it may not accurately assess the rate of bone loss.

No. It is not advisable to have a scan during pregnancy.