Dexa Scan Bone Density Testing in Alpharetta & Cumming, GA
At Metro Medical Associates, we use advanced Dexa Scan technology to accurately measure bone mineral density and screen for osteoporosis before symptoms develop. This quick, painless test gives you and your provider the information needed to protect your long-term bone health. Schedule your Dexa Scan at our Cumming, GA , Alpharetta, GA offices today — call (770) 777-0750 - Cumming Office or (770) 777-0750 - Alpharetta Office or book online.
What Is a Dexa Scan?
A Dexa Scan — short for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry — is the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). The scan uses two low-dose X-ray beams to precisely measure the density of your bones, most commonly at the hip and lumbar spine. Results are reported as a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult. T-scores help your provider identify normal bone density, low bone mass (osteopenia), or osteoporosis requiring treatment.
Dexa Scans are safe, non-invasive, and take only 10 to 20 minutes from start to finish. At Metro Medical Associates, we interpret your results in the context of your full health history, ensuring you understand what your numbers mean and what — if anything — needs to be done next.
Who Should Get a Dexa Scan?
Your provider at Metro Medical Associates may recommend a Dexa Scan if you have one or more of the following risk factors for osteoporosis or bone loss:
- Women age 65 and older (routine screening)
- Men age 70 and older
- Postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors
- History of fractures from minor trauma (fragility fractures)
- Long-term corticosteroid or certain medication use
- Family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures
- Low body weight or significant unintentional weight loss
- Conditions affecting bone density, such as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, or hormonal disorders
- Patients undergoing medical weight loss management who need baseline bone monitoring
If you’re unsure whether a Dexa Scan is appropriate for you, our providers can discuss your individual risk factors during a preventative & wellness exam.
Why Early Detection Matters
Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms until a fracture happens. By the time a break occurs, significant bone density may already be lost. A Dexa Scan allows Metro Medical Associates to detect low bone density early — before a fracture occurs — so that lifestyle changes, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, or prescription treatment can be started proactively.
Regular monitoring is also important for patients already diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Repeat Dexa Scans every one to two years help track whether treatment is working or whether bone density is continuing to decline. Our team will recommend a follow-up schedule based on your results and clinical picture.
How to Prepare for Your Dexa Scan
Preparing for a Dexa Scan at Metro Medical Associates is simple. Follow these guidelines before your appointment:
- Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or underwire
- Leave jewelry and metal accessories at home if possible
- Inform our staff if you have recently had a barium study, contrast CT scan, or nuclear medicine test — these can interfere with results
- No fasting is required
During the scan, you’ll lie flat on a padded table while a low-dose X-ray arm passes over your body. The procedure is completely painless. Most patients find it far less stressful than they anticipated. Results are typically reviewed with you at a follow-up appointment or through our patient portal.
Dexa Scan Results: Understanding Your T-Score
Your Dexa Scan results include a T-score and a Z-score. Here’s what they mean:
- T-score above -1.0: Normal bone density
- T-score between -1.0 and -2.5: Low bone mass (osteopenia) — intervention and monitoring recommended
- T-score at or below -2.5: Osteoporosis — treatment discussion warranted
The Z-score compares your bone density to others of your same age, sex, and body size. A very low Z-score may indicate secondary causes of bone loss that warrant further evaluation. Our providers at Metro Medical Associates take the time to review these numbers with you in plain language and outline a clear action plan.
Comprehensive Bone Health Care at Metro Medical Associates
A Dexa Scan is just one part of a comprehensive approach to your health at Metro Medical Associates. Depending on your results, we may recommend dietary counseling, weight-bearing exercise guidance, hormonal evaluation, or prescription medications such as bisphosphonates. We coordinate care across our services — including diabetes management, hypertension care, and medical weight loss — to address all factors that may affect your bone health.
To schedule your Dexa Scan at our Alpharetta or Cumming office, call (770) 777-0750 - Cumming Office or (770) 777-0750 - Alpharetta Office or use our online booking tool. Our team is here to make bone density testing convenient, comfortable, and informative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dexa Scans
What is a Dexa Scan and what does it measure?
A Dexa Scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) measures bone mineral density at key sites such as the hip and lumbar spine. It is the most accurate and widely used method to diagnose osteoporosis, identify low bone mass (osteopenia), and track changes in bone density over time. Results are expressed as T-scores and Z-scores that your provider will explain.
How should I prepare for a Dexa Scan?
Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test. Wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners, and leave jewelry at home. No fasting is required. Inform the staff if you’ve recently had a contrast imaging study or nuclear medicine scan, as these can temporarily affect scan accuracy.
Is a Dexa Scan safe?
Yes. Dexa Scans use very low-dose radiation — significantly less than a standard chest X-ray — and are considered safe for most patients, including older adults. The procedure is non-invasive and entirely painless.
How long does the Dexa Scan appointment take?
The scan itself takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Including check-in and any pre-scan questions, plan for about 30 to 45 minutes total for your appointment at Metro Medical Associates.
When will I receive my Dexa Scan results?
Results are typically reviewed at a follow-up appointment or shared through our patient portal shortly after the scan. Our providers will walk you through your T-score, what it means for your bone health, and any recommended next steps.
How often should I repeat a Dexa Scan?
For most patients, repeat Dexa Scans are recommended every one to two years if osteopenia or osteoporosis has been diagnosed or if you are undergoing treatment. Patients with normal bone density and low risk may only need a scan every two to five years. Your provider at Metro Medical Associates will recommend an appropriate monitoring schedule based on your results.
Does Medicare or insurance cover Dexa Scans?
Medicare covers Dexa Scans every 24 months for beneficiaries who meet eligibility criteria, such as women who are estrogen-deficient or patients with vertebral abnormalities. Most private insurance plans also cover the scan when medically indicated. Contact our office at (770) 777-0750 - Cumming Office or (770) 777-0750 - Alpharetta Office to verify your specific coverage before your appointment.