What Is a Bone Density Scan?
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Bone Density Scan (DEXA)
What it measures, how to prepare, who qualifies for Medicare, and what your T-score means.
🇦🇺 AustraliaMBS CoveredMBS Book July 2026
📋 Sources: MBS Book July 2026 — Items 12306, 12312, 12315, 12320, 12321, 12322 (DN.1.18 Bone Densitometry), mbsonline.gov.au. WHO criteria for osteoporosis diagnosis. Osteoporosis Australia — osteoporosis.org.au. RANZCR. T-score categories per WHO (Kanis JA et al., 1994). Fees and benefits current July 2026 — verify at mbsonline.gov.au. This page provides general information only — not medical advice. Speak to your GP about your individual circumstances and eligibility.
What is a bone density scan?
A bone density scan — also called a DXA or DEXA scan (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) — uses a low-dose X-ray beam to measure how dense your bones are. It is the standard test used to diagnose osteoporosis and assess your risk of fractures.
The scan usually measures two sites — the lumbar spine and the hip (proximal femur) — as these are where osteoporotic fractures most commonly occur. If those sites cannot be measured (e.g. spinal fusion, hip prosthesis), the forearm may be measured instead.
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Very low radiation
Less than a chest X-ray
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What it involves, in short: you lie fully clothed on a padded table for 10–30 minutes while a scanning arm passes slowly over you without touching you. No needles, no tunnel, no fasting or sedation. You're back to normal activities straight afterwards — a radiologist reviews the images and sends a written report to your GP. Full step-by-step below.
How to prepare for your DEXA scan
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Stop calcium supplements 24 hours before — calcium tablets can interfere with the scan result. Food sources of calcium are fine.
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Wear comfortable, loose clothing without metal — avoid jeans with metal zips, underwire bras, belts, or clothing with metal buttons. You may be asked to change into a gown.
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No barium or nuclear medicine scans in the 7 days before — residual contrast can affect results. Tell the radiology centre if you have had either recently.
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Bring your referral and Medicare card — the referral from your GP must specify the clinical indication (fractures, glucocorticoid therapy, etc.) for Medicare to cover the scan.
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Bring previous bone density results if you have them — comparing with a previous scan is more informative than a single result.
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You can eat and drink normally — no fasting required.
📋 Source: Osteoporosis Australia — osteoporosis.org.au. RANZCR. Always follow specific instructions provided by your radiology centre.
What happens during the scan
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Your height and weight are measured on arrival — this is used to help calculate your bone density results.
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You lie on a padded table, fully clothed — there are no tunnels or confined spaces, unlike an MRI. For the spine, a cushioned box is placed under your knees to flatten your lower back. For the hip, your foot is strapped into a frame to hold your leg in a set position. Neither is usually uncomfortable or painful.
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A scanning arm passes slowly over you — it doesn't touch you. You'll be asked to stay still and may briefly hold a position while each site is scanned.
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The whole scan takes 10–30 minutes — the exact time depends on the machine and how many sites are scanned. No sedation or injection is needed, and a radiographer (medical imaging technologist) carries out the scan.
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No after-effects — you can drive and return to your normal activities straight away.
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You won't usually get a result on the day — a radiologist (specialist doctor) reviews the images afterward and sends a written report to your referring GP, who will discuss the result with you.
📋 Source: RANZCR — InsideRadiology.com.au, Bone Mineral Density Scan. Exact positioning and timing can vary by radiology centre and equipment.
What does your T-score mean?
The T-score compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult of the same sex. The lower the score, the lower your bone density.
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Normal
T-score –1.0 or above
Normal bone density
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Osteopenia
T-score between –1.0 and –2.5
Low bone density
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Osteoporosis
T-score –2.5 or below
Low bone density
A T-score alone doesn’t determine treatment. Your GP considers it alongside your age, previous fractures, weight, medications, and other risk factors. The FRAX tool combines these to estimate your 10-year fracture risk. Source: WHO criteria for osteoporosis diagnosis.
Who qualifies for Medicare coverage?
Medicare fee: $122.55 • Benefit: $91.95 (75%) or $104.20 (85%). Source: MBS July 2026 — items 12306–12322. Verify at mbsonline.gov.au.
Age 70 and over — initial screen
First DEXA or T-score ≥–1.5. Once every 5 years.
Item 12320
Age 70+ with moderate osteopenia
T-score –1.5 to –2.5. Once every 2 years.
Item 12322
Fracture after minimal trauma
To confirm or monitor low BMD. Once every 24 months.
Item 12306
Glucocorticoid therapy / hypogonadism
Prolonged steroids (≥7.5mg prednisolone/day or equivalent), excess glucocorticoid, male hypogonadism, female hypogonadism <45yo. Once every 12 months.
Item 12312
Chronic disease conditions
Primary hyperparathyroidism, chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease, malabsorptive disorder (incl. coeliac), rheumatoid arthritis, thyroxine excess. Once every 24 months.
Item 12315
Significant change in therapy
At least 12 months after a significant change in class of treatment for established low BMD. Once every 12 months.
Item 12321
💡 Your GP’s referral must specify the clinical indication. The scan is interpreted and reported by a specialist or consultant physician — not the GP who refers. Confirm with your radiology centre that they bulk bill before booking.