DEXA Scan: FSA Eligibility
DEXA Scan: eligible with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)What is a DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan, or dual X-ray absorptiometry, is a test that measures bone density. A DEXA scan usually focuses on the spine or hips, and helps determine if a patient has high or low bone density. It can also help detect if cancer has spread to the bones (RadiologyInfo.org).
What happens during a DEXA scan?
During a DEXA scan, the patient will lay down on an open X-ray table where two X-rays will pass through the body. One is a high energy beam and one is a low energy beam. Depending on the thickness of the bone, the beams will pass through in different amounts. Medical professionals can then determine a patient’s bone density from a T-score given (WebMD).
What is a T-score?
A T-score tells you how much higher or lower your bone density is compared to the bone density of a 30 year old, or the age when bones are the strongest. If your T-score is -1.0 or above, you are at normal bone density. If your T-score is between -1.0 or -2.5, then you have low bone density, or osteopenia. If your T-score is -2.5 or lower, then you have osteoporosis.
If your T-score is not at normal bone density, you may require treatment to help bone strength and to prevent or treat any issues down the line.