How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost in 2025?
How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost in 2025?
Everything You Need to Know About Pricing, Insurance, and Saving Money
TL;DR – A single DEXA body-composition or bone-density scan in the U.S. generally costs $40 to $150 out-of-pocket in 2025. Hospital-based bone-density exams still average $300+ according to GoodRx, while community providers like BodySpec start at $45 per scan – or as low as $40 with a membership. This article delivers updated regional price tables, insurance guidelines, and proven strategies to reduce your costs.
Quick-Glance Cost Table
| Scan Type | National Low | National High | Typical BodySpec Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body-composition DEXA | $40 | $150 | $45 (or $40 on membership) |
| Bone-density (DXA) | $75 | $300+ | $75 (select locations) |
| Mobile / on-site corporate scan | $55 | $200 | $65 (group rates) |
*BodySpec Q2 2025 standard pricing. Promotional or group rates may vary by city. Want to lock in your rate? Book your scan now.
Why Does DEXA Scan Cost Vary?
- Location & real-estate costs – Downtown hospital imaging suites carry higher overhead than a mobile scan van parked outside your gym.
- Scan purpose – Bone-density exams require a licensed radiologist read; fitness-focused body-comp scans usually don’t.
- Insurance vs. cash pay – Medicare will often cover a bone-density DEXA every two years, but body-comp scans are almost always cash pay.
- Membership discounts – Frequent scanners can drop per-scan costs to ~$40 with BodySpec’s quarterly or monthly memberships.
- Operational expertise – BodySpec specializes exclusively in DEXA scanning. Our concierge-style service, streamlined scheduling, and mobile clinics keep overhead low—so you get hospital-grade accuracy at a neighborhood-friendly price.
2025 Regional Price Breakdown
| Metro Area | BodySpec Price | Other Local Providers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $40-$55 | $80 –$120 | Dense market keeps competition healthy. |
| San Francisco Bay Area, CA | $40-$55 | $90–$300 | Hospital systems often > $250. |
| Austin, TX | $40-$55 | $70–$105 | Growing fitness scene drives demand. |
| Dallas–Fort Worth, TX | $40-$55 | $75–$100 | Many clinics bundle DEXA with RMR tests. |
| Seattle, WA | $40-$55 | $90–$300 | Hospital bone-density > $300 per GoodRx. |
Ready to see your city’s calendar? Book a BodySpec appointment in seconds.
Looking for hyper-local numbers? Check our city-specific deep dive: How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost in Major Cities?.
DEXA vs. Other Body-Composition Tests: Cost & Accuracy
| Method | Typical Price | Accuracy vs. DEXA | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEXA | $40–$150 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gold standard | Detailed fat, muscle, bone data |
| InBody / BIA | Free–$50 | ⭐⭐ | Quick, rough estimate |
| Bod Pod | $60–$100 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Comfortable, no radiation |
| 7-site Skinfolds | $20–$40 | ⭐⭐ (technician-dependent) | Budget gym check |
For a side-by-side deep dive, read InBody vs. DEXA Scans: Which Is Better?.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
• Radiologist interpretation – Can add $50–$100 at hospital sites. BodySpec bundles everything.
• Image-archive charges – Some systems bill extra to release the report.
• Late-cancel penalties – Confirm the provider’s cancellation window.
Will Insurance Pay for My DEXA Scan?
(Diagnostic bone-density testing only—body-composition scans are generally self-pay.)
| Scenario | Likely Coverage? | Typical Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|
| Post-menopausal woman > 65 needing bone-density screen (Medicare) | ✅ Yes – once every 24 mo. | $0 if deductible met |
| Monitoring osteoporosis medication | ✅ Often | Copay varies |
| Body-composition scan for fitness | ❌ No | Full cash price |
Medicare & Private Insurance Checklist
- Confirm the exam is coded as CPT 77080 (DXA, axial skeleton).
- Ask if the radiologist fee is separate; some hospitals quote technical fee only.
- Verify you’ve met your deductible—“covered” doesn’t always mean free.
- If denied, submit a reconsideration letter with risk-factor documentation from your provider.
HSA / FSA Eligible? Yes. DEXA scans—body-comp or bone—are considered qualified diagnostic expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
Most fitness clients scan every 3–6 months to capture meaningful body-composition change. Medicare covers bone-density testing every 24 months unless monitored treatment requires sooner.
Is DEXA safe? How much radiation is involved?
A body-comp DEXA exposes you to roughly 4 µSv—about the same as eating four bananas (see DEXA Scan Safety and Radiation). That’s less than one day of natural background radiation.
Do I need a referral?
• Bone-density (insurance-billed) – Usually yes.
• Body-composition (self-pay) – No referral needed at BodySpec.
What should I wear to my scan?
Thin, metal-free athletic wear. Heavy seams or zippers can slightly skew results. See our prep guide: FAQ: Clothes and DEXA.
Can I eat beforehand?
For bone-density only, yes. If you’re doing a body-composition scan, fast 4–6 hours for the most consistent readings.
How to Pay Less for Your Next Scan
- Join a membership – BodySpec’s quarterly plan drops each scan to $40 and credits never expire. Learn how a membership works.
- Book off-peak – Weekday or group-event slots may be discounted.
- Use HSA dollars – Pay pre-tax and save 25–30 % instantly.
- Bundle tests – Combine DEXA with resting-metabolic-rate (RMR) testing for package savings.
- Corporate wellness dollars – Many employers reimburse DEXA as part of annual screenings.
The Bottom Line
In 2025, getting a precise picture of your body fat, muscle mass, and bone health no longer has to cost a fortune. Shop around, leverage memberships, and understand your insurance benefits. Book a BodySpec scan in your city today and take the guesswork out of your training or health plan.
