How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost? (2026 Pricing Guide)

Updated January 2026

TL;DR – A single DEXA scan in the U.S. costs $40 to $300 out-of-pocket in 2026. Hospital-based bone-density exams average $300+ according to GoodRx, while community providers like BodySpec start at $45 per scan—or as low as $40 with a membership. Book your scan now.

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The confusion around healthcare pricing is real. One of the most common questions we get is: How much does a DEXA scan cost?

It's a fair question. You might see ads for $50 fitness scans and then hear horror stories about $300 hospital bills.

The short answer: A DEXA scan typically costs between $40 and $300.

The long answer? It depends entirely on where you go and why you're going. If you visit a hospital for a medical diagnosis, you're looking at higher fees and insurance paperwork. If you visit a specialized wellness provider, you can access the same clinical-grade technology and measurements for a fraction of the hospital cost.

Here is your no-nonsense guide to 2026 pricing, insurance secrets, and how to get the best data for your dollar.

The Cheat Sheet: National Average DEXA Costs

We crunched the numbers from current market data (including sources like Sidecar Health and GoodRx) to give you a realistic snapshot of what you'll pay in 2026.

The Bottom Line: If your goal is to track body composition (fat vs. muscle) or get a baseline check on your bones, you absolutely do not need to spend over $100. Specialized mobile providers have disrupted the market, bringing clinical-grade accuracy to your neighborhood gym or office park for a fraction of the hospital price.

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See BodySpec's Options

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Why Does DEXA Scan Cost Vary So Much?

1. Location & real-estate costs – Downtown hospital imaging suites carry higher overhead than a mobile scan van parked outside your gym.
2. Scan purpose – Bone-density exams require a licensed radiologist read; fitness-focused body-comp scans usually don't.
3. Insurance vs. cash pay – Medicare will often cover a bone-density DEXA every two years, but body-comp scans are almost always cash pay.
4. Membership discounts – Frequent scanners can drop per-scan costs to ~$40 with BodySpec's quarterly or monthly memberships.
5. 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.

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"Medical" vs. "Wellness" Scans: Why the Price Gap?

The machine is often the same, but the billing department isn't.

1. The Medical Route (Diagnostic Focus)

• The Focus: Checking for osteoporosis or fracture risk, usually limited to the hip and spine.
• The Cost: High. Hospitals often tack on "facility fees" and specialist "reading fees" (for a doctor to look at the image).
• Insurance: Often covers this if you meet strict criteria (like being a woman over 65).
• The Hassle: You almost always need a doctor's referral.

2. The Wellness Route (Body Composition)

• The Focus: A total body snapshot. You get your body fat percentage, lean muscle mass (in specific areas like your arms vs. legs), visceral fat score, and a general bone density reading.
• The Cost: Low. At BodySpec, single scans start around $45, and memberships drop that to as low as $40.
• Insurance: Usually doesn't cover it (it's considered "elective"), but because the cash price is so low, it's often cheaper than a hospital copay anyway.
• The Hassle: Zero. No referral needed. You just select a package, show up, and scan.

Insurance 101: Will They Pay For It?

This is the most common question we get. The answer is usually "for bone health, maybe; for body fat, no."

Medicare & Private Insurance Coverage

Insurance Checklist

1. Confirm the exam is coded as CPT 77080 (DXA, axial skeleton).
2. Ask if the radiologist fee is separate; some hospitals quote technical fee only.
3. Verify you've met your deductible—"covered" doesn't always mean free.
4. If denied, submit a reconsideration letter with risk-factor documentation from your provider.

HSAs and FSAs

Good news here! You can generally use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) card for DEXA scans at providers like BodySpec. Many HSA/FSA administrators classify body composition scans as qualified diagnostic expenses—it's a great way to use those pre-tax dollars to invest in your long-term health.

Pro Tip: Always double-check with your benefits administrator first. While we accept HSA/FSA cards, individual plan rules can vary—some may request documentation for wellness-focused scans.

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Regional Pricing: Location Matters

Medical costs vary significantly by region. Based on data from cost aggregators, local provider listings, and our internal market research, here's how the "street rate" for a scan compares in major hubs:

*Hospital estimates reflect facility fees, reading fees, and regional cost-of-living variation. Individual pricing varies by provider.

By choosing a mobile or specialized provider, you effectively "opt out" of the regional price inflation that hits hospitals. Looking for hyper-local numbers? Check our city-specific deep dive: How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost in Major Cities? or browse our scan locations.

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Hidden Costs: Don't Get Stung

If you decide to go with a clinic or hospital outside of a flat-rate network, keep your radar up for these extra charges:

• Reading Fees: An extra $50–$100 just for the radiologist to sign the report.
• New Patient Fees: Registration costs that have nothing to do with the scan itself.
• Image-Archive Charges: Some systems bill extra to release the report.
• Late-Cancel Penalties: Confirm the provider's cancellation window.
• Consultation Upsells: Some wellness clinics lure you in with a scan but require a pricier "consultation" to explain the results.

At BodySpec, we believe your data belongs to you. No hidden fees, no required consults—just a clear, easy-to-read dashboard explanation included with every scan.

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Ready to Start? Book Your BodySpec DEXA Scan Here

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DEXA vs. Other Body-Composition Tests: Cost & Accuracy

For a side-by-side deep dive, read InBody vs. DEXA Scans: Which Is Better?.

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Is It Worth the Money?

You might be thinking, "Why pay $50 when I have a scale at home that tells me my body fat?"

Honest truth? Because that scale is probably giving you unreliable numbers.

Common "smart scales" use Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), which sends a weak electric current through your feet. The problem is that this signal is easily thrown off by hydration levels, recent meals, skin temperature, and even how you position your feet on the scale.

A 2021 study published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth put this to the test. Researchers compared three popular smart scales against DEXA in a clinical setting and found:

• Weight: Accurate (within about 0.3 kg—no complaints here)
• Fat mass: Underestimated by 2–4 kg on average across all three scales
• Muscle mass: Significant errors in both directions depending on the brand

The researchers' conclusion? "Smart scales are not accurate for body composition and should not replace DEXA in patient care."

DEXA is different. It uses X-ray technology to look inside your body and directly measure tissue density. It verifies exactly how many pounds of muscle you gained in your quads versus your glutes. It tells you if that "weight gain" is fat or actual lean mass—no guesswork, no hydration variables.

For the price of a nice dinner out, you get the truth about your body—and that clarity is priceless when you're working hard to hit a goal.

Want the full breakdown? Read our deep dive: How Accurate Are Smart Scales?

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. That's less than one day of natural background radiation. Learn more: DEXA Scan Safety and 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: DEXA FAQ.

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.

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How to Get the Best Deal

If you're ready to scan, here is how to lock in the lowest possible price:

1. Join a Membership: If you're tracking a diet or training block, you'll want to scan every 2–3 months. Our membership options drop the per-scan price to $40, and credits never expire. Learn how memberships work.
2. Book Off-Peak: Weekday or group-event slots may be discounted.
3. Look for Group Rates: Does your office have a wellness program? We often partner with companies to bring our trucks onsite, offering corporate wellness rates that are cheaper than individual bookings.
4. Use Your Pre-Tax Dollars: Don't let those FSA dollars expire at the end of the year—invest them in a scan package. Pay pre-tax and save 25–30% instantly.
5. Bundle Tests: Combine DEXA with resting-metabolic-rate (RMR) testing for package savings.

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The Bottom Line

Ready to stop guessing?

In 2026, 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.

Schedule your scan today with BodySpec (you can view pricing and packages here). Knowledge is power—and now you know it doesn't have to be expensive.