What is DEXA?

Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) combines two X-Ray beams with different energy levels to measure a patient's bone mineral density (BMD). No special preparation is required.

DEXA

The machine can also be used to generate a total body composition report, which is useful for monitoring muscle bulk and fat content and observing any changes following a new treatment or training regimen.

A DEXA body composition report will accurately measure fat, bone and muscle mass for total body regions, allowing you to target your fitness and training program for optimal results.

Your body composition scan will include:

  • total body bone mineral density (BMD)
  • total bone mineral content (BMC)
  • fat mass
  • lean mass
  • percentage fat.

Medicare rebates are available for DEXA BMD studies based on the following criteria:

Item number

Description

Frequency

12306

One or more fractures after minimal trauma

Monitoring low BMD proven by previous bone densitometry

One service only in 24 months (two years)

12312

Prolonged glucocorticoid therapy

Conditions associated with excess glucocorticoid secretion

Male hypogonadism

Female hypogonadism lasting more than 6 months before age of 45

One service only in 12 months (one year)

12315

Primary hyperparathyroidism

Chronic liver or renal disease

Proven malabsorption disorders

Rheumatoid arthritis

Overactive thyroid disease

One service only in 24 months (two years)

12321

Measurement of BMD 12 months following a significant change in therapy for established low BMD

Measurement of BMD after confirmation of a presumptive diagnosis of low BMD after one or more fractures

One service only in 12 months (one year)

12320

Patient over 70 years of age
No previous BMD or
Previous BMD T-score -1.5 and higher

One service only in 5 years

12322

Patient over 70 years of age
Previous BMD T-score between -1.5 and -2.4

One service only in 24 months (two years)

No Rebate

Asymptomatic – if patient is below 70 years of age and does not fit into another group

 

Not Covered

Joint pain related to menopause

Arimidex – breast cancer drug related to osteoporosis

Family history

Osteopaenia

 

Private Fee

Total Body Composition