Bone Density Scan (DXA)

[Anastasia1]

Hi All! I am on W&W and my GP wants me to get a bone density scan as a general precaution for osteoporosis. Is there any reason why I shouldn’t get it based on whatever type of radiation I will receive?

Your input is appreciated, Thank you!

[GMa27]

I get dexa scans every 2 years since 2002. Was dx with CLL in 2007. I had osteoporosis, then took shots and went into osteopenia. I will continue to get them. In remission now after FCR. Need to know if chemo effected my osteopenia.

[Anastasia1 in reply to GMa27]

Thanks for your message and reassurance. I waited until the last minute to look into it and was panicking as my appt is in the morning. Best wishes.

[mrsjsmith]

Hello,

Hello,

I have one every 5 years to check Osteopenia is not getting any worse.

Colette

[Anastasia1 in reply to mrsjsmith]

Thank you for your response

[mrsjsmith in reply to Anastasia1]

Morning,

I had my last one recently because of concerns about scoliosis and also had various other tests. My GP was impressed at how good my vit D levels are. Especially as I live in gloomy London. I use a daily mouth vit D spray, I am sure that helps.

Regards

Colette

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

I had one done, but Medicare has refused to cover it because it was ordered by my Hem/Onc, fortunately under Medicare rules, the hospital now must "eat" the cost since they did not get a written release from me to pay if Medicare refused.

I have seen this problem also with which type of doctor orders my iron and D3 tests. Medicare has some silly rules, and my GP sometimes must order the tests to have Medicare pay vs. my Hem/Onc.

The silliest rule is that if my Hem/Onc gives the Shingrix shot, Medicare will NOT cover the costs, but I can go to a local drug store and get the shot that Medicare will pay for. That is a real puzzle for me.

Len

[Panz in reply to lankisterguy]

I live in MI and Rite Aid charged me what Medicare didn’t cover...$80.00. I am not complaining as I have had Shingles and had them for 3 of the worst years of my life comfort wise. I would have paid whatever the costtomavoid or lessen the Shingles! 😍☘️🙏💕

[sandybeaches in reply to lankisterguy]

Every health system is so different it baffles the imagination! Here in Victoria BC, a Vit D3 test will be covered if my heme/onc orders it, but if my GP does, I have to pay out of pocket $75 - could be more now as a new year, and my private insurance won't cover me. Public health will cover DEXA scan, at least the last time I had one it did - one never knows from year to year.

The Shingrex vaccine is not covered at all in BC as yet - the cost out of pocket was $165 Canadian for each shot. But the powers that be will cover generic Acyclovir - and any hospitalization required for shingles infection - go figure. Guess it works out less costly on average.

Sandy Beaches

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero in reply to sandybeaches]

That's where the term penny wise pound foolish comes from...unmanaged healthcare... 😄

[MelioraDay]

The radiation from a dexascan is minuscule. It is comparable to 3 hours exposure to natural background radiation. Follow the link below for a radiation comparison chart for various medical tests. The morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporosis is not insignificant, and seems to be underestimated by many people.

google.com/amp/s/www.radiol...

[Awksom]

From my perspective a bone density is a good idea, if nothing else it provides a base line. I had it done a few years ago and then again recently after I was on a high dosage of prednisone due to AIHA and showed some density deterioration but not enough to take a med.

[Anastasia1]

Thank you all for your replies! I did finally hear back from my CLL specialist who said that there was no reason at all not to have it done...so I did it and waiting on results. Thanks again for your time and make it a great day 😊