Does Medicare cover it? A to Z
Does Medicare cover bone density tests?
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Short answer
Covered: Part B
Yes, Medicare Part B covers bone density tests, which Medicare calls bone mass measurements, once every 24 months (or more often if medically necessary) if you meet at least one of the conditions Medicare lists, like being a woman whose doctor determines you're estrogen-deficient and at risk for osteoporosis.
You pay nothing for a Medicare Part B bone mass measurement if the doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment.
Medicare Part B also covers the test if your X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia or vertebral fractures, if you take or plan to start prednisone or steroid-type drugs, if you've been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism, or if you're being monitored to see whether osteoporosis drug therapy is working.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bone mass measurement (bone density test) | Covered by Part B as a preventive service | Medicare.gov |
| Who qualifies | People who meet at least one of the conditions Medicare lists | Medicare.gov |
| How often | Once every 24 months, or more often if medically necessary | Medicare.gov |
| What you pay | Nothing if your provider accepts assignment | Medicare.gov |
| What the test does | Helps find out if you're at risk for broken bones | Medicare.gov |
What is a bone mass measurement?
A bone mass measurement is the test Medicare Part B covers to help find out if you're at risk for broken bones, and your results help you and your doctor or other provider choose a way to keep your bones strong.
MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, explains that bone density is also called bone mass, and that a bone density scan, also known as a DEXA or DXA scan, is a low-dose X-ray that measures calcium and other minerals in your bones.
Who qualifies for a Medicare-covered bone density test?
Medicare Part B covers a bone mass measurement if you meet one or more of these conditions:
- You're a woman whose doctor determines you're estrogen-deficient and at risk for osteoporosis, based on your medical history and other findings.
- Your X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia or vertebral fractures.
- You're taking prednisone or steroid-type drugs, or you're planning to begin this treatment.
- You've been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism.
- You're being monitored to see if your osteoporosis drug therapy is working.
How often does Medicare cover a bone density test?
Medicare Part B covers a bone mass measurement once every 24 months, or more often if medically necessary, if you meet at least one of the conditions above.
What do I pay for a bone density test with Medicare?
You pay nothing for a bone mass measurement if the doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment, which means the provider agrees to accept the payment amount Medicare approves for the service and not to bill you for more than the Medicare deductible and coinsurance.
A provider that doesn't accept assignment can charge you more than the Medicare-approved amount, and you might have to pay the full amount at the time of service. Most doctors, providers and suppliers accept assignment, but check before your test.
Does Medicare Advantage or Medigap change this?
Medicare Advantage plans must give you at least the same coverage as Original Medicare, but a plan may have different rules, like using doctors in the plan's network, and costs vary by plan. See how Medicare Advantage differs from Original Medicare.
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private insurance company to help pay your share of costs in Original Medicare, like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. You can only buy Medigap if you have Original Medicare.
Good to know
More questions people ask
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Related questions
- Medicare.gov: Bone mass measurements
- MedlinePlus: Bone density scan
- MedlinePlus: Bone density
- Medicare.gov: Does your provider accept Medicare as full payment?
- Medicare.gov: What Part B covers
- Medicare.gov: Parts of Medicare
- Medicare.gov: Medigap basics
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.