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DEXA Scan Knoxville, TN

A Better Bone Density Experience

Did you know bone loss can begin as early as age 30? It’s at this age that bone growth begins to slow and is gradually outpaced by bone breakdown. Bone loss can be accelerated by additional risk factors such as insufficient vitamin D, low calcium consumption, hormone levels, various lifestyle factors and even some medication use. Therefore, as we age, staying on top of bone health is critical.

Bone Density screenings are an easy, non-invasive study that assesses current bone health and helps predict any future risks. Discuss your bone health with your provider early for a proactive approach. Together you should work to minimize your risk factors and monitoring your specific needs. If a bone density screening is right for you, schedule your exam, and screen on-time at your recommended screening intervals per your doctor.

Have a provider order and are ready to schedule this critical screening? Call our team and we’ll be happy to assist with a quick and easy appointment.

These exams are offered at our Hall of Fame location, conveniently located in the heart of Knoxville.

What is a Bone Density exam?

Bone Densitometry, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, DEXA or DXA Scan, uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body (usually the lumbar spine and hips) to measure bone loss. It is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis, to assess an individual’s risk for developing osteoporotic fractures. DEXA is simple, quick and noninvasive. It’s also the most commonly used and the most standard method for diagnosing osteoporosis.

This simple 10-minute procedure compares your bone density to that of the average bone density of a 30-year old healthy woman.

What Lifestyle Factors Contribute to Bone Loss?

  • Alcohol abuse
  • Frequent falling
  • Inadequate physical activity
  • Vitamin D insufficiency
  • Excessive thinness
  • High salt intake
  • Low calcium intake
  • Excessive vitamin A
  • Immobilization
  • Smoking (active or passive)

Bone density testing is strongly recommended if patient is:

  • a post-menopausal woman and not taking estrogen.
  • has a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking.
  • a post-menopausal woman who is tall (>5’7”) or thin (< 125 lbs).
  • a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss.
  • uses medications that are known to cause bone loss.
  • has type 1 diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or a family history of osteoporosis.
  • has high bone turnover (shows as excessive collagen in urine samples)
  • has a thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism.
  • has a parathyroid condition, such as hyperparathyroidism.
  • has experienced a fracture after only mild trauma.
  • has had x-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis.

Certain medical conditions and medications can also contribute to bone loss. Talk to your healthcare provider to assess whether any condition you have or treatments may be affecting your bone health. If so, your provider can write an order and you can schedule your exam at our convenient outpatient center.

What you should know

Answers to frequently asked questions.

Medicare will pay for a bone density test as part of preventive screening every two years for women 65 or older and men 70 or older. Many insurance providers will cover the test under certain circumstances. You can view insured as well as uninsured costs here.

If you are over the age of 50 with a family history of osteoporosis or symptoms such as unusual fractures, you should consult with a physician to determine if you need a DEXA scan.

The radiologist will review the DEXA images and provide a diagnostic report that will be sent directly to your provider. The report is typically available to your provider within 24 hours. Many providers plan scheduled time to discuss results with their patients so you could check with their office to see when they will be available to review the information with you.