CT Bone Density Screening for Women who have Calcium Score Testing
What it is: Osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of the bones) is a common problem as we age and puts women and men at risk for bone fractures.
How it works: Images obtained by use of the CT scanner to assess for calcium in the heart arteries can also be assessed for loss of calcium in the vertebral bones of the spine. Women are especially at risk for and screening is appropriate for most women 50 years of age or older. We are happy to provide this service through our partnership with Dr. Matthew Budoff and Bone Density, Inc. For women 50 year of age and older who have a Coronary Artery Calcium Scan (CACS) and who have not had a recent bone density exam, the calcium score x-ray images will be sent to Dr. Budoff’s team for analysis. There is no additional radiation to assess bone health and no need to also get a DEXA scan.
Does Insurance Cover this? Usually covered for women 50 years of age and older. If insurance does not pay you still get a report and will not be billed for it.
Bottom Line: Osteoporosis is common as we age and can be diagnosed from the x-ray images obtained Coronary Artery Calcium Scan (CACS) images without any additional x-ray exposure or doctor visits. For women over 50, testing will done routinely at no additional cost.