Skip to main content

For Clinicians & Referrers

Find a ClinicContactPatient Login
Book an Appointment

What is a DEXA Scan?

A DEXA scan uses two low-dose X‑ray beams to measure bone strength and body composition with exceptional accuracy. It is completely painless, non-invasive, and takes only a few minutes. You simply lie still on a scanning table while the scan is performed, and no fasting or special preparation is usually required beforehand — though patients should avoid taking calcium supplements for 24 hours before their scan.

DEXA is used for:

  • Diagnosing osteoporosis
  • Monitoring bone density over time
  • Assessing fracture risk
  • Measuring total body fat and visceral fat
  • Analysing muscle mass and symmetry
  • Monitoring fitness or weight‑loss progress

DEXA Bone Mineral Density (BMD) & Bone Health

A DEXA BMD scan measures bone strength at key skeletal sites such as the lumbar spine, hips, and forearm to assess bone mineral density. It is essential for diagnosing osteoporosis and osteopenia, and for monitoring the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment over time. Your results can then be reviewed in consultation with your doctor or specialist.

Common reasons for referral:

  • Age‑related bone loss
  • Menopause
  • Long-term steroid use
  • Previous fractures
  • Chronic diseases affecting bone health

A doctor's referral is typically needed for a clinical DEXA BMD scan to be bulk billed, with bulk billing available when Medicare criteria are met.

DEXA BMD is the most accurate, widely accepted clinical method for evaluating fracture risk.

More Details About This Service

DEXA Body Composition

A DEXA Body Composition scan assesses your body composition in far more detail than standard weight-only methods, measuring:

  • Total body fat percentage
  • Visceral fat estimation (fat around organs)
  • Lean mass measurements by body region (arms, legs, trunk, total)
  • Muscle imbalance or asymmetry
  • Bone mass percentage

It is ideal for:

  • Athletes and fitness monitoring
  • Weight-loss programs focused on fat loss
  • Nutrition planning and metabolic health
  • Tracking muscle development and changes over time
  • Monitoring the impact of training or injury recovery
  • Anyone who wants to understand their body composition in more detail

Because results can vary depending on scan type and individual factors, a consultation can help you interpret your report accurately. A GP referral generally isn't required for a Body Composition scan, and as it's not typically Medicare-funded, please contact your clinic for current pricing.

More Details About This Service

Benefits of DEXA Scanning at Advicon Imaging

    • Low-radiation, safe and non-invasive
    • High accuracy and reproducibility, with more precise body composition tracking than BMI and far more detailed data than scales alone
    • Fast scanning (5–10 minutes)
    • Comfortable and private environment
    • Same-day results available, with detailed measurements provided on the day where possible
    • Bulk-billing for Medicare-eligible BMD scans

With clinics across Sydney, Advicon Imaging makes it easy to access accurate DEXA scanning close to home or work.

Book an Appointment

Frequently asked questions

Do Medicare rebates apply for DEXA BMD scans?

Medicare rebates apply for DEXA BMD scans when clinical criteria are met and a valid doctor's referral is provided. DEXA Body Composition scans are generally not Medicare-funded, so don't hesitate to get in touch with our team for current pricing.

Do I need a referral for Body Composition studies?

No referral is necessary for a DEXA Body Composition scan. A referral is typically required for a DEXA BMD scan to be bulk billed under Medicare.

What is a DEXA scan used for? 

DEXA scans are used to diagnose osteoporosis, monitor bone density over time, assess fracture risk, and measure body composition, including total body fat, visceral fat, and muscle mass.

How long does a DEXA scan take?

A DEXA scan is fast, typically taking between 5 and 10 minutes to complete.

Is a DEXA scan safe?

Yes. DEXA uses a very low dose of radiation and is considered a safe, non-invasive, and painless way to assess bone density and body composition.

Do I need to prepare for a DEXA scan? 

No fasting or special preparation is usually required. However, you should avoid taking calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan.

What's the difference between a DEXA BMD scan and a DEXA Body Composition scan?

A BMD scan measures bone strength at sites such as the spine, hips, and forearm to diagnose conditions like osteoporosis and osteopenia. A Body Composition scan measures body fat, visceral fat, and muscle mass, and is commonly used for fitness monitoring, weight-loss tracking, and nutrition planning.

Who might be referred for a DEXA BMD scan?

Common reasons for referral include age-related bone loss, menopause, long-term steroid use, previous fractures, or a chronic disease affecting bone health.

Is DEXA Body Composition scanning only for athletes?

No. While it's popular with athletes and people in structured fitness or weight-loss programs, it can benefit anyone wanting a detailed picture of their body fat, muscle mass, and distribution for nutrition or general health planning.

Will I get my DEXA results on the same day? 

Same-day results are available for DEXA scans at Advicon Imaging, with detailed measurements provided on the day where possible.

How is a DEXA scan different from a standard BMI or scale measurement?

Unlike BMI or scales, a DEXA scan provides detailed, region-specific data on fat, muscle, and bone, giving a far more accurate picture of body composition than weight alone.

Find a Clinic

Search by suburb or post code

6 Clinics

Show list of 6 ClinicsHide list of 6 Clinics

Book an appointment with Advicon Imaging

Book an AppointmentContact us

Contact us

Should you have any questions or require any assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is committed to supporting you and your patients every step of the way.