topic Re: Bone Density Scan in Wellness

Bone Density Scan

morganjen — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 01:33:56 GMT

I guess perserverience pays off. I was finally able to get an order for a baseline bone density scan. I'm 56 and post-menopausal, with osteoporosis in my family. I asked my PCP and she said no way, I had to be 65 or a smoker. I even called around at hospitals who did them offering to self pay. They said no way, only by a doctor's orders. On a lark, I asked our neighbor, who heads up the cardiology clinic at our hospital. She said, "Yes, you need one. I'll put in the order tomorrow." So, I'm going in January. For those who have had a DEXA scan, how did it go? That's one thing I want to keep an eye on. I have a former boss who is almost bedridden from osteoperosis.

Re: Bone Density Scan

ALRATIBA — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 01:41:20 GMT

Just before my 61st birthday, I fell and broke my arm. Actually, shattered the end of the radius (have implant now).

They sent me for bone density scan because they thought I might have an issue ... but test came back just fine. Just a freak accident.

It was just an x-ray type thing .. took only a few minutes.

Re: Bone Density Scan

SeaMaiden — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 01:42:19 GMT

@morganjen Oh,they are easy.

Re: Bone Density Scan

Carmie — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 01:42:22 GMT

My sister gets a Scan every two years, she also takes Prolia because she has osteoporosis.

If you have no symptoms, be prepared to pay for the scan out of your pocket. This scan is usually not covered by insurance unless you have symptoms. To your advantage,they are not too expensive.

I wish you well and may you have strong bones.

Re: Bone Density Scan

Azcowgirl — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 02:03:01 GMT

I took the order from my oncologist for a dexa scan, to have it done, and was told Medicare won’t pay anything on it, and it would be seven hundred dollars .

I didn’t go through with it.

Im on a hormone blocker that can exacerbate brittle bones,

so I should get checked. I’m going to see if my oncologist can maybe code the order differently. 😳

Re: Bone Density Scan

SilleeMee — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 02:25:27 GMT

I've had two Dexascans done in the past 15 years. First one was ordered at age 47 as a baseline and also as part of routine thing my rheumy does for her new female patients who fall within a certain age (pre or peri meno) and/or risk category. I was in both. My first scan was low and I was put on medication for OP. I am 63 now and I just had a second scan which came back normal.

Make sure you know the 'prep' before you go get the scan done. This link will inform you about most things involved with a Dexascan:

https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=dexa

eta - I paid out of pocket for both scans. Each one cost about $180 + radiologist's fee. It was cheaper this way than what the copay would have cost me with my insurance plan (not on Medicare) which is something like $500 each scan...rediculousness.

Re: Bone Density Scan

Carmie — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 02:10:23 GMT

Medicare does cover bone scans every two years if medically necessary and you meet certain conditions.

Medicare will not cover them as a preventative service. They are usually covered if you take prednisone or steroids also if you are being treated for low estrogen among other things. Medicare is very particular with the diagnosis they will cover this test for.

Re: Bone Density Scan

BirkiLady — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 02:19:30 GMT

Your PCP and other physicians were correct. You need a reason for the DEXA scan in order for insurance or Medicare to pay. I have several cronic illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, which certainly quality me for the DEXA scans every two years. Quick, simply test. Remember to wear clothing without metal hooks (a pull-over bra is perfect) or zippers. Best wishes for a clean bill of health!

Re: Bone Density Scan

aubnwa01 — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 02:43:54 GMT

I've had several dexa scans over the years due to having had a hysterectomy at age 43 in 1993. I've been on the lowest dose of estrogen patch for many years & the last dexa-scan I had a year or so ago, my results were +2, which they said was really good for someone my age (now 68) I've never had a broken bone, knock wood.

Re: Bone Density Scan

Caligurll — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 04:08:16 GMT

I am on Medicare and it did cover the scan based on my age. I have a Medicare Advantage Plan, don't know if that makes a difference.

Re: Bone Density Scan

AuntMame — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 06:01:41 GMT

Don't forget to avoid any calcium supplements (which are found in many women's vitamins like Women's 1-A-Day) or antacids for about 48 hours before the scan.

Years ago they were recommending that women have baseline scans prior to going through menopause. But that's no longer a recommendation. Anyhow I had one and my bone density was fine. Fast forward a dozen years and I developed thyroid problems and my endocrinologist ordered one. I'm on the verge of osteoporosis due to the thyroid issues.

The scan is no big deal. You lie on a table, sometimes with your feet elevated. That's it. Easiest medical test there is.

Re: Bone Density Scan

ID2 — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 11:25:02 GMT

@morganjen wrote:
I guess perserverience pays off. I was finally able to get an order for a baseline bone density scan. I'm 56 and post-menopausal, with osteoporosis in my family. I asked my PCP and she said no way, I had to be 65 or a smoker. I even called around at hospitals who did them offering to self pay. They said no way, only by a doctor's orders. On a lark, I asked our neighbor, who heads up the cardiology clinic at our hospital. She said, "Yes, you need one. I'll put in the order tomorrow." So, I'm going in January. For those who have had a DEXA scan, how did it go? That's one thing I want to keep an eye on. I have a former boss who is almost bedridden from osteoperosis.

65 or a smoker?? Really? I had my first bone scan at age 50 (never smoked). I have no osteoporosis in my family. I can't imagine a doctor refusing a post menopausal woman in getting a base line bone density scan. Change your doctor.

Re: Bone Density Scan

Mom2Dogs — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 12:00:49 GMT

@morganjen...I am 63....I have had several bone scans and obviously well before I was 65...never heard you have to be that age before they would order a scan....and I have never smoked!

My 1st scan showed bone loss...so I have been on meds for quite a while....off and on...I hope your scan shows no bone loss.

The scan is very simple....you lay on a table and they scan a couple areas on your body....and you are done!

edited to add: My insurance covered all my scans.

Re: Bone Density Scan

FrostyBabe1 — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 12:35:59 GMT

I had my first DEXA scan at 48. My PCP suggested it due to my mom having had pretty significant osteoporosis and my somewhat early menopause. Insurance covered it with no questions asked. The scan itself is quick and easy.

Re: Bone Density Scan

hckynut — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 17:33:24 GMT

@morganjen

Had one a few months ago after I fell while ice skating one Sunday. Broke my nose/sprained my right wrist pretty bad, and bruised my left hip bone.

My Nephew-in-law, who is a GP , recommended it would be a good idea since my left hip bone has taken a beating with several of my ice skating falls.

My test came back with a 000.1 from being normal reading density. He said it's pretty good for an "old man"!

hckynut

Re: Bone Density Scan

Theresa1121 — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 10:31:36 GMT

I am about to turn 64 and 6 years ago hit my foot with a suitcase I was trying to manuever down the steps of our back porch to take to the car. After a couple weeks of foot pain I felt a snap and went to the podiatrist. I had a 4th metatarsal stress fracture and she ordered a DEXA due to my age and it showed Osterperosis 2.4.

Insurance will only pay for a dexa every two years and next one two years ago was 2.6.

I refuse to take the prescribed drugs so stepped up my calcium intake, take a quality Andrew Lessman Calcium Intensive Care Supplement and started weight bearing exercises at the gym. Last scan in October shows the ostelporosis impoving and my doctor was amazed.

I do thinki it is important for all to get a scan but waiting until you have it is not the answer. I do not think it is an expensive test either so not sure why the insurance companies bulk at paying for it yet will cover some of the expensive meds with side effects for women who choose to take them.

Re: Bone Density Scan

Still Raining — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 14:45:30 GMT

Medicare covers mine every year along with treatments. I am currently at 4.4 and heading south. Treatments aren't foolproof.

Re: Bone Density Scan

SilleeMee — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 15:47:32 GMT

@Still Raining wrote:
Medicare covers mine every year along with treatments. I am currently at 4.4 and heading south. Treatments aren't foolproof.

I had a rare, severe adverse reaction to Rx Zometa. That once-yearly IV med, which I had received only a single dose, caused me to develop a strange tumor-like bone growth on my cervical spine. I had to have surgery to remove it and that involved removing my entire set of neck bones and then replaced with fake ones. Cost was astronomical and I ended up paying for 20% of it...enough to set me back for quite some time.

Re: Bone Density Scan

Sweetbay magnolia — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 15:53:46 GMT

My PCP ordered one oh I would guess about 6 years ago (early '50s). At the time it was covered by my insurance. I enjoyed lying down and putting my feet up while it was done.

Re: Bone Density Scan

Shelbelle — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 22:46:58 GMT

I have had one every other year since age 50, now on Medicare, I wonder if they will pay for my next one in the spring, if they dont I wont worry about it, I have very slow growing osteopenia, have had falls and no broken bones.