DEXA Bone Density Scan in Seminole, FL

Women 65+ and men 70+ should get a baseline DEXA. Younger patients with risk factors (family history of osteoporosis, long-term steroid use, early menopause, low body weight) may need earlier screening. Medicare covers DEXA every 2 years for qualifying patients.

Your T-score compares your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old. Normal is -1.0 or higher. Osteopenia (low bone mass) is -1.0 to -2.5. Osteoporosis is -2.5 or lower. Your doctor will explain your specific results.

Yes! Our Hologic Horizon Wi provides one of the most accurate body composition analyses available. It measures total body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, visceral fat, and regional fat distribution — far more accurate than scales or BMI calculations.

Self-pay patients do not need a referral. Our physician reviews your request the same day — most self-pay patients are seen same day or added as a walk-in. If you're billing insurance for bone density, a physician's order is typically required. Call (727) 398-5999 for details.

DEXA uses an extremely low radiation dose — less than one day of natural background radiation and about 1/10th the dose of a standard chest X-ray. It is one of the lowest-radiation imaging exams available.

Eat and drink normally, but skip calcium supplements and calcium-containing antacids for 24 hours before your scan — undissolved tablets in the stomach or intestine can overlap the spine and artificially raise your reading. Wear loose clothing with no metal zippers, belts, or buttons. If you have had a barium study or a contrast CT or nuclear scan within the past 7–14 days, let us know so we can schedule your DEXA after the contrast has cleared.

For most patients, every 2 years — which matches the Medicare coverage interval. Your doctor may recommend yearly scans if you are starting or changing osteoporosis medication, have a T-score near the treatment threshold, or take long-term steroids. Patients with normal bone density and no risk factors can often wait 3–5 years. For the most accurate comparison, repeat scans should be done on the same machine whenever possible.

A self-pay bone density DEXA at AMI is $75 and a body composition DEXA is $100; both together are $175, radiologist reading included.

With insurance, a physician's order is required (Medicare covers bone density every two years for eligible patients). Self-pay bone density and body composition scans do not need a referral.

About 10 minutes on the table, fully clothed (no metal). Results go to your doctor in 48–72 hours; body composition reports are usually available the same day.