How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost?

Median cash price $140 Most people pay $100–$160
$140 median $0 $200+

Full range $55–$550 · Based on cash prices clinics publish · Updated October 2026

Find DEXA / bone density clinics near you

A DEXA scan (bone density test) is one of the more affordable scans, and for many people it's free: because it's recommended preventive care, most insurance plans cover screening DEXA scans at $0 for eligible patients, and Medicare covers a bone-density test every 24 months for those who qualify. The cash prices above apply when you're paying yourself.

What affects the price of a DEXA scan

  • Coverage. If you qualify for screening, it's often $0 with insurance or Medicare. The figures here are the typical self-pay price.
  • Facility. A standalone imaging center is usually cheaper than a hospital for the same scan.
  • Scope. A standard hip-and-spine bone density scan is priced differently from add-ons like a body-composition or vertebral-fracture assessment.

Good to know before you book

If you're due for routine screening and have insurance or Medicare, confirm the scan is coded as screening. That's what makes it $0. Paying cash is straightforward here because DEXA prices are relatively low and consistent. For the full picture of who needs a scan, how often, and how to read your results, see our DEXA scan guide.

DEXA / bone density cash prices by U.S. region

Cash prices vary by where you live. Each region is shaded by its median DEXA / bone density cash price (green = cheaper, blue = pricier); gray regions don't have enough clinics to report yet.

$99 $160 Not enough data

Lowest: Southeast ($99) · Highest: California ($160)

Frequently asked questions

Is a DEXA scan free with insurance?
Often, yes. Screening bone-density tests are covered as preventive care at $0 for eligible patients, and Medicare covers one every 24 months for those who qualify. These cash prices apply when you pay yourself.
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
Every two years is typical, though your doctor may recommend sooner. See our DEXA scan guide for the full screening guidelines.
Do I need a referral for a DEXA scan?
Most centers ask for a doctor's order, which also helps with coverage. Some offer self-pay scans without one. Each clinic's page shows what's required.

Compare DEXA scan prices near you and book in minutes.

Find a clinic near you

DEXA scan guide All imaging prices

Use this data

Writing about healthcare prices? You're welcome to cite these figures with a link back to this page. Embed the live price-range chart:

Source: Expected Health, DEXA / bone density cost

These are self-reported cash (self-pay) prices collected from clinics and standardized to a common procedure so the same scan is compared like-for-like; they may have changed since collection. They are estimates for general guidance, not quotes. You can confirm current pricing by contacting the clinic directly. Insurance pricing differs from cash pricing. This page is not medical or financial advice.