DEXA Bone Density Imaging

Roughly 80% of patients with osteoporosis are women. Women have a higher risk because they often have smaller, thinner frames. Menopause is also a factor, as it causes women to produce less estrogen, a hormone that helps protect them against bone loss. In fact, 20% of bone mass can be lost in the 5-7 years following menopause. If you’re 50 and older and/or you’re nearing menopause, we encourage you to discuss bone density tests with your primary physician. For your convenience, DEXA scans can be scheduled for the same appointment as your mammogram at many of our breast center locations.

Factors that may add to the risk of osteoporosis include history of bone fracture, family history of osteoporosis, low-calcium diet, eating disorders, lack of exercise, alcohol or tobacco use and use of certain medicines, like steroids and anticonvulsants.

Your DEXA bone density scan will be performed by a trained technologist who will explain the process before getting started. DEXA scans are safe, painless and only take about 15 minutes. You will lie on your back on a padded table while a movable arm passes over your body, and you will feel no sensations at all. A radiologist subspecialized in bone density imaging will review the scan to determine your T-score, which ultimately defines your bone density and quantifies your risk for fractures. A T-score of (-1) is considered normal; a T-score between (-1) and (-2.5) is considered low bone density, or osteopenic; and a T-score below (-.2.5) is osteoporotic. After reviewing your DEXA scan results, your doctor may suggest a number of steps to build bone strength, such as exercise, changes in diet, hormone therapy or other medicines.

• DEXA imaging requires a physician referral.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
• Do not take any calcium supplements the morning of your exam.
• Wear comfortable clothing that has no metal zippers or buttons in the abdominal or pelvic areas; otherwise, you may be asked to change into a gown.
• If you have recently undergone a barium study of any kind, such as an upper gastrointestinal (UFI) tract exam, barium enema or CT scan, you should wait at least 14 days before your DEXA scan to ensure that no residual barium interferes with the findings.
• If you’ve had prior bone density imaging at a facility other than Charlotte Radiology, you will be asked to provide contact information for the center so we can obtain these records before your scheduled appointment. Having prior records helps our Radiologists to identify any changes over time. If you would like Charlotte Radiology to request these on your behalf, please fill out our medical records release form one month prior to your scheduled appointment (it can take up to three weeks to receive records from an out of state provider).

Once DEXA imaging is complete, the scans will be reviewed by a radiologist and results will be sent to your physician within 7 business days.

• Ballantyne Breast Center
• Blakeney Breast Center
• Matthews Breast Center
• McDowell Breast Center
• Mooresville Breast Center
• Prosperity Crossing Breast Center
• Rock Hill Breast Center
• Steele Creek Breast Center

This procedure requires a physician referral. Please check with your insurance plan to confirm that the procedure is covered. You may be responsible for all or a portion of the bill.  Payment may be required at the time of service. For questions regarding insurance coverage, and/or billing please call 704-362-7020.