Bone Density
BMD is offered at our Woodville practice.
BMD (or DEXA-dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scanning is a painless and non-invasive examination using a very low intensity X-ray machine to measure the bone mineral content in various parts of the body (e.g. spine, hip and wrist). Bone densitometry is used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause but also affects around one third of men. BMD is effective in measuring the effects of osteoporosis treatment and other conditions that cause bone loss.
About your BMD Examination
A standard BMD examination takes approximately 20 minutes. Your name and date of birth will be checked prior to commencing your scan. You will be escorted to the BMD room. You will then either be asked to lie down on a bed or sit on a chair. The radiographer will explain the examination procedure to you before acquiring the necessary images.
During the examination, you will not be aware of any discomfort. A radiographer technician will be with you acquiring the images; these are then interpreted and reported by the radiologist. You will sign a bulk bill Medicare form once the examination has been completed.
Preparing for your BMD scan
Bring your request form, Medicare card and all old X-rays, scans, reports and films every time you visit us. BMD examinations don’t require any preparation. You’ll be told what to do at the time of making your appointment.
BMD Risk
Your doctor has decided that the medical benefit to you is much greater than any risk posed by exposure to diagnostic X-rays. The intensity of X-rays used in BMD is very low.
If you are pregnant, you must let our staff know before the examination.
BMD Cost
Imaging excellence and affordability are the cornerstones of our business. To meet this commitment, we BULK BILL all Medicare eligible BMD scans. Bulk billing means no gap payment and no large, unexpected out of pocket expense. Please check if your scan is eligible when booking. Medicare guidelines are very specific about which examinations are covered under the Medicare schedule.
It’s your choice where you have your Scan or X-ray. Call us with any practice’s Imaging request form for an appointment If your doctor has requested an X-ray or scan, you can use our request form at any radiology practice.
BMD Results
A radiologist will interpret and report on the BMD images. The results will be sent to your referring doctor. As the images are digital they will be kept on our computer system for future reference; a hard copy in the form of a CD will also be sent to your referring doctor. You should always discuss the results with your doctor.