Osteoporosis and Bone Density Tests

Wonder if it's time for you to have a bone density test? Bone density tests (also called bone mineral density tests or bone scans) evaluate the strength of your bones by measuring a small part of one or a few bones. Knowing the strength of your bones can help your doctor recommend prevention steps and osteoporosismedication, if needed, to prevent bone loss and fractures.

Who should have a bone density test?

According to National Osteoporosis Foundation guidelines, there are several groups of people who should consider bone density testing:

• All postmenopausal women below age 65 who have risk factors for osteoporosis.
• All women aged 65 and older.
• Postmenopausal women with fractures; this is not mandatory because treatment may well be started regardless of bone density.
• Women with medical conditions associated with osteoporosis; these diseases number more than 50. A primary care doctor can scan a patient's list of medical illnesses to verify that one of these conditions is not present.
• Women whose decision to use medication might be aided by bone density testing.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Bone Scan: DXA Scan.

Do health insurers or Medicare cover the cost of a bone density test?

While there is a cost for a bone density test, the information you gain about the health of your bones could save your life. Many health insurance companies cover the cost of a bone density test, as does Medicare. But you need to check ahead of time to see if the test is covered under your specific plan (or if you qualify according to Medicare's criteria for who is eligible for testing).

Most health insurers will pay for this test if you have one or more risk factors such as:

• A fracture
• You are postmenopausal
• You are not taking estrogen at menopause
• You are taking medications that cause bone thinning

Medicare covers bone density testing for the following individuals aged 65 and older:

• Estrogen-deficient women at risk for osteoporosis
• Individuals with spinal abnormalities
• Individuals receiving, or planning to receive, long-term glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy
• Individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism
• Individuals being monitored to assess the response or efficacy of an approved osteoporosis drug therapy

Medicare permits individuals to repeat bone density testing every two years.