How Often Should You Get Imaging? By Exam Type

How often should you have a mammogram? When does a DEXA scan need to be repeated? Is it safe to have a CT scan every year? These are common questions, and the answers depend on the exam type, your age, and your risk factors.

Mammography

Screening Mammograms - Ages 40+ — Every year (recommended by the ACR and the American Society of Breast Surgeons) - High-risk women — Annual mammogram PLUS annual breast MRI, starting as early as age 25 to 30 - Continue screening as long as you are in good health with a life expectancy of 10+ years

Diagnostic Mammograms - As needed — Ordered when a problem is found (lump, pain, abnormal screening result) - Follow-up intervals depend on findings (typically 6 months for probably benign findings)

Schedule your mammogram at AMI.

DEXA Bone Density

• Women age 65+ — Every 2 years
• Women under 65 with risk factors — Discuss with your doctor; may start as early as menopause
• Men age 70+ — Every 2 years (or earlier with risk factors)
• Patients on osteoporosis treatment — Every 1 to 2 years to monitor response

The National Osteoporosis Foundation provides detailed guidelines on when to start and repeat DEXA screening. Learn about DEXA at AMI.

Low-Dose Lung CT

• Annually for adults who meet all criteria:

This is the USPSTF recommendation and is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.

CT Scans (Non-Screening)

Diagnostic CT scans are ordered as needed based on your symptoms and clinical situation. There is no set schedule for routine CT screening (except for lung cancer screening above).

For patients being monitored (for example, a lung nodule or treated cancer), your doctor will determine the follow-up schedule:

• Lung nodule follow-up — 6 to 12 months after initial finding, then annually for several years
• Cancer surveillance — Every 3 to 6 months for the first 2 years, then every 6 to 12 months

MRI

Like CT, MRI exams are ordered based on clinical need rather than a fixed schedule. Common repeat intervals include:

• Multiple sclerosis monitoring — Every 6 to 12 months
• Brain tumor follow-up — Every 3 to 6 months initially
• Breast MRI screening (high-risk) — Annually
• Joint injury follow-up — As needed based on symptoms

Ultrasound

Ultrasound exams are typically ordered on an as-needed basis:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening — One-time exam for eligible men (age 65 to 75, ever smoked)
• Thyroid nodule follow-up — Every 6 to 24 months depending on size and risk
• Liver surveillance — Every 6 months for patients at risk of liver cancer
• Pregnancy — Typically at least one detailed ultrasound around 18 to 22 weeks

X-Ray

X-rays are ordered as needed. No routine screening X-ray is recommended for the general population. In the past, annual chest X-rays were common, but this practice has been replaced by targeted screening (like low-dose lung CT for smokers).

General Principles

• Follow your doctor recommendations — They know your specific risk factors
• Do not skip screening exams — Especially mammograms and lung CT if you qualify
• Do not request unnecessary scans — More imaging is not always better
• Track your imaging history — Keep records of what was done and when

According to the American College of Radiology, the right imaging test at the right time provides the greatest benefit with the least risk.

Schedule Your Next Imaging Exam

Not sure when your next exam is due? Call Advanced Medical Imaging at (727) 398-5999 or schedule online. Our team can help you understand the recommended schedule for your specific situation.

Sources: - ACR — Appropriateness Criteria - USPSTF — Screening Recommendations - NOF — DEXA Guidelines