How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost?

Median cash price $140 Most people pay $99–$160
$140 median $0 $200+

Full range $55–$550 · Based on cash prices from 35 clinics · Updated June 2026

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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.

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.

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DEXA scan guide All imaging costs

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.