The Osteoporosis Center
The Osteoporosis Center at Rogue Valley Physicians, PC provides DXA screening for the diagnosis of bone loss and osteoporosis.
Topics in this section include:
What is DXA Sceening?
How do I prepare for my DXA scan?
Osteoporosis Links and Resources
More about Osteoporosis
What is DXA Screening?
Bone density scanning, also called Dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DXA is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).
About the scan:
DXA scanning is simple, quick and painless. There is no need to change into a patient gown if you wear clothes without buttons, zippers, or metal closures. We suggest a warm-up suit or shorts or pants with an elastic waistband. You will lie on the scanning table as the arm of the machine scans over your body. The test takes only a few minutes and generally you can resume usual activities immediately afterward.
Bone density testing is strongly recommended if you:
- Are a post-menopausal woman and not taking estrogen.
- Have a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking.
- Are a post-menopausal woman who is tall (over 5 feet 7 inches) or thin (less than 125 pounds).
- Are a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss.
- Use medications that are known to cause bone loss, including corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin and certain barbiturates, or high-dose thyroid replacement drugs.
- Have type 1 (formerly called juvenile or insulin-dependent) diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or a family history of osteoporosis.
- Have high bone turnover, which shows up in the form of excessive collagen in urine samples.
- Have a thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism.
- Have a parathyroid condition, such as hyperparathyroidism.
- Have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma.
- Have had x-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis.
Information obtained from Radiologyinfo.org
How do I prepare for my DXA Scan?
Before your appointment:
In preparation for your DXA scan we ask that you print out and complete our Osteoporosis Questionnaire (PDF) before arriving for your appointment. Should you have any questions when filling out the form please leave those sections blank and our technologist will assist you with the questionnaire on the day of your scan.
A downloadable Patient Preparation and Reminder Sheet (PDF) is also available for your convenience.
- If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant cancel the test.
- The test should be performed at least 14 days after any barium or other contrast x-rays or scans.
- You may eat and take medications as usual.
- DO NOT take calcium or mineral supplements for the 24 hours before the test.
PDFs: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print PDF forms. If you do not have this program, you may download it for free here.
On the day of the DXA scan:
- On the day of the test, leave valuables at home.
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal parts like buttons, buckles or clasps (no jeans).
- Do not wear jewelry or any body piercings to the examination.
- If you have metal in your hips or spine, let the technologist know.
- Please bring your insurance card and/or your Prescription Coverage Card (Medicare Part D) if you have one.
How and when will I get the results?
The results of your DXA scan will be interpreted by Dr. Linden, an Internist and certified Clinical Densitometrist. A report will be sent to your physician who will contact you with the results.
Are DXA screenings covered by insurance?
Generally your insurance carrier will over DXA screening when indicated by your referring physician, or on an annual basis if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. DXA screening is also covered if risk factors are present, which for most females is menopause. For males screening is usually not covered unless they have had some bone breakage. It is however recommended in all males 75 years of age and older. Medicare and most other insurance carriers will pay for an exam every two years if you have osteopenia, a condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal. Osteopenia is considered by many doctors to be a precursor to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Links and Resources
The National Osteoporosis Foundation
http://www.nof.org/
The International Society for Clinical Densitometry
http://www.iscd.org/Visitors/patient/index.cfm
Medline Plus: Osteoporosis
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/osteoporosis.html
Schedule An Appointment
To schedule a DXA scan call:
(541) 282-2213
How to prepare for a DXA screening.
For directions to The Osteoporosis Center at Rogue Valley Physicians, please visit our Contact page.
Referring offices:
Please download, complete and fax our Imaging Order Form (PDF).
PDFs: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print PDF forms. If you do not have this program, you may download it for free here.
