Key takeaways

  • Medicare covers bone density scans once every 2 years or more frequently if medically necessary. If you meet eligibility requirements and use a facility that accepts Medicare, there are no out-of-pocket costs.
  • The preferred test for measuring bone density is the bone density mineral test, which helps doctors diagnose broken bones, fractures, and bone density problems like osteoporosis.
  • Conditions that may qualify you for more frequent testing include rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, diabetes, and organ transplant.

As people age, bones become more porous, and the risk of bone problems increases. Bone scans can help your doctor diagnose:

  • broken bones
  • fractures
  • problems with bone density, such as osteoporosis

Medicare recognizes this risk and offers coverage for bone scans every other year.

Medicare Part B covers routine preventive and outpatient services. These services include tests your doctor orders to diagnose or monitor certain health conditions.

Medical professionals measure bone density with an imaging test similar to an X-ray. This scan provides information about your bone health and strength.

Several types of bone density tests exist. The preferred test is the bone density mineral test.

Because certain conditions put you at a higher risk for bone problems and related injuries, Medicare covers bone density testing once every 2 years.

You may qualify for more frequent testing if you have any of the following conditions, which could lead to decreased bone density:

Most outpatient facilities with radiology services can perform a bone density scan. This may be:

  • an outpatient facility
  • a medical office building
  • a hospital
  • another imaging center

The basic conditions for coverage are:

  • Your doctor has ordered the scan as a medically necessary test.
  • It’s been 23 months since your last bone density scan, or you have a condition requiring more frequent testing.
  • The facility where the scan is done accepts Medicare.

You can use Medicare’s search tool to find local participating facilities.

To make sure you meet the criteria to have your bone density test fully covered by Medicare, your doctor needs to provide documentation that you meet one of the following conditions:

If you need a bone density scan more frequently than every 2 years, you must provide proof from your doctor that you have a condition requiring more frequent testing before your test will be covered again.

You can always see whether any test or service is covered by checking Medicare’s covered services list.

Part A

Medicare Part A may cover a bone scan if it’s part of an inpatient hospital or skilled nursing facility stay.

For Part A, the deductible per benefit period in 2025 is $1,676. After paying the deductible, you won’t have any copayments during your first 60 days in the hospital.

Part B

If you need a bone density scan and your doctor agrees that you’re eligible for the test, Medicare will cover one test every 2 years — or more often if your specific condition requires it.

If you meet these conditions and the facility that performs your scan participates in Medicare, your bone scan test will be completely covered under Medicare Part B at no cost to you.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage, sometimes called Part C, must match the coverage of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). However, each plan may have its own requirements on where you can be tested and how much your share of the cost will be.

Medicare Advantage plans may help you save on costs, depending on what kind of healthcare services you need and your monthly budget.

If you meet the requirements for the test, you should have no out-of-pocket costs for your bone scan using Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans may have different requirements for locations, such as remaining within a certain network, in order to get full coverage.

A bone density test is an imaging study that uses a small amount of ionized radiation and an X-ray machine to measure the strength of your bones.

Also called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), this test allows a doctor to measure the minerals, such as calcium, in your bones.

This test can find mineral deficiencies that may occur as a result of:

  • age or certain diseases
  • fractures
  • increased air space (pores)
  • other problems in your bones

Several hereditary and lifestyle traits can contribute to bone loss and weakness. Your doctor typically assesses your risk based on several factors, including:

  • age
  • sex
  • tobacco use
  • excessive alcohol consumption
  • long-term steroid use
  • low body weight or chronic malnutrition
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • previous bone trauma
  • chronic kidney disease

What can I expect with a bone density test?

You don’t need to do any special preparation for a bone scan. You arrive at the testing facility wearing loose, comfortable clothing.

A medical professional may ask you to change into a hospital gown for the test. If you remain in your clothes, you should avoid metal, like zippers or lots of buttons, and remove any jewelry.

The testing center may ask you about your medical history. Be sure to tell them if you have any implanted hardware, like artificial joints or a pacemaker.

You may also receive contrast material — either by mouth or through a peripheral intravenous line — to help produce better images. The entire scan usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

The full cost of a bone density scan is covered under original Medicare every 2 years.

If you need a bone density test more often, your doctor must provide further information as to why an increased test frequency is medically required.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may be asked to have your test done within a certain network. If you go outside your network, you may have to pay a share of the testing cost.