Medicare Part B covers bone density tests at no cost to you if you meet the criteria

Yes, Medicare Part B pays for bone density testing (also called a DEXA scan or DXA scan) when ordered by your doctor. You pay nothing out of pocket — no copay, no coinsurance — as long as you have Part B and your doctor orders the test for a covered reason.

The test itself is quick, painless, and uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone strength. It takes about 10 to 30 minutes. Medicare covers the scan and the doctor's interpretation of the results.

The catch is that Medicare only pays when specific conditions are met. Your doctor must order it, and you must fit into one of Medicare's covered categories. If the test is ordered for a reason Medicare does not cover, you would owe the full cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers bone density tests with zero cost to you when your doctor orders them for a covered medical reason.
  • You must be a woman age 65 or older, or a man age 70 or older, or meet other specific medical conditions for Medicare to pay.
  • Your doctor must order the test — you cannot request one on your own and have Medicare pay for it.
  • The test is performed at a hospital, imaging center, or doctor's office that accepts Medicare, and results are available within days.

Who Medicare covers for bone density testing

Medicare Part B covers bone density tests for women age 65 and older, and for men age 70 and older, without any other condition required. If you fall into either of these age groups and have Part B, your doctor can order the test and Medicare will pay.

Medicare also covers bone density tests for younger people who have specific medical reasons. These include a personal history of hip fracture, a diagnosis of osteoporosis, long-term use of corticosteroid medications (like prednisone), or certain other bone-weakening conditions. Your doctor determines whether your situation meets these criteria.

If you are not yet 65 (or 70 if you are male) and do not have one of the covered medical conditions, Medicare will not pay for the test. In that case, you would need to pay out of pocket or check whether your supplemental insurance covers it.

How often Medicare pays for repeat testing

Medicare covers bone density tests once every two years. If you had a test done two years ago, Medicare will pay for another one now. If you had one less than two years ago, Medicare will not pay for a repeat test unless your doctor documents a medical reason for earlier screening.

Some people need more frequent testing — for example, if they are starting a new osteoporosis medication or if their doctor is monitoring a known condition. In those cases, your doctor can request an exception, and Medicare may cover testing sooner than the standard two-year interval. Your doctor's office handles this request.

Where to get the test and what to expect

Bone density tests are performed at hospitals, imaging centers, and some doctor's offices. You need to go to a facility that accepts Medicare. Your doctor will give you an order or referral, and you can call ahead to schedule the appointment.

Bring your Medicare card and any other insurance cards you have. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal buttons or zippers — the technician may ask you to change into a gown. The test itself involves lying still on a table while an X-ray arm passes over your hip, spine, and sometimes your forearm. You will feel nothing and hear no noise.

Results typically come back within a few days. Your doctor will review them and contact you to discuss the findings and any next steps, such as lifestyle changes or medication.

What happens if the test shows low bone density

A bone density test produces a score called a T-score. The score tells your doctor how your bone density compares to a healthy young adult. A normal score means your bones are strong. A low score may indicate osteoporosis or osteopenia (lower bone density than normal but not yet osteoporosis).

If your results show low bone density, your doctor may recommend changes such as increased calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, or medication to slow bone loss. Medicare Part B also covers certain osteoporosis medications if your doctor prescribes them. Your doctor will discuss which option makes sense for your situation.

Having a low bone density score does not mean you will definitely break a bone. It means your risk is higher, and there are steps you and your doctor can take to protect your bones and reduce that risk.

What Medicare does not cover for bone density testing

Medicare does not pay for bone density tests ordered for screening purposes alone if you do not meet the age or medical criteria listed above. For example, if you are a 55-year-old woman with no symptoms or risk factors and your doctor orders a test just to see if you have low bone density, Medicare will not pay.

Medicare also does not cover bone density tests at private screening clinics or wellness centers that are not part of the Medicare network. If you go to a non-Medicare provider, you pay the full cost out of pocket, even if you have Part B.

If you have a supplemental insurance plan (Medigap) or a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents or call your plan to see whether they cover bone density tests in situations Medicare does not. Some plans offer additional coverage.

How to arrange a bone density test through Medicare

Start by talking to your primary care doctor or your bone specialist. Tell them you want a bone density test, or ask whether one would be helpful for your situation. Your doctor will decide whether the test is medically necessary and will place an order if it is.

Your doctor's office will give you information about where to go for the test. They may have a preferred imaging center or hospital, or they may give you a choice. Call the facility to schedule an appointment and confirm that it accepts Medicare.

Bring your Medicare card and any other insurance information to your appointment. The facility will verify your coverage before the test. After the test, the imaging center sends the results to your doctor, who will review them and contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my doctor to get a bone density test?

Yes. Your doctor must order the test for Medicare to pay. You cannot walk into an imaging center and request a bone density test on your own. Your doctor determines whether the test is medically necessary based on your age and health history.

What if I am 64 and want a bone density test — will Medicare pay?

Not unless you have a covered medical condition such as a history of hip fracture, osteoporosis, or long-term corticosteroid use. If you do not have one of these conditions, Medicare will not pay. You could pay out of pocket or check whether your current insurance covers it.

How much does a bone density test cost if Medicare does not pay?

Costs vary widely depending on where you go — typically between $100 and $300 out of pocket. Call the imaging center ahead of time and ask for the cash price. Some centers offer discounts if you pay upfront.

Can I get a bone density test more often than every two years?

Medicare normally covers testing once every two years. If your doctor believes you need testing sooner — for example, because you just started an osteoporosis medication — your doctor can request an exception. Medicare may approve it if the medical reason is documented.

Does Medicare Part D or my Medigap plan cover bone density tests?

Part D covers prescription medications, not tests. Medigap plans vary — some cover services Medicare does not, and some do not. Check your Medigap plan documents or call your plan to ask whether bone density testing is covered under your specific plan.