Jersey City Imaging Center offers DEXA scans for both bone density screening and body composition analysis. Our scans take just 10 to 20 minutes, walk-ins are welcome, and we accept all major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.
DEXA, which stands for Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, is a quick and painless imaging test that measures two important things: the density of your bones and the composition of your body.
A DEXA scan uses a very low dose of X-ray energy, far lower than a standard chest X-ray, to create precise measurements of bone mineral density, body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and visceral fat. The scan itself takes 10 to 20 minutes, requires no injections or special preparation, and you stay fully clothed for the procedure.
DEXA is the gold standard test for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk. It is also the most accurate way to measure body composition outside of a research lab, which is why many fitness-focused and health-conscious patients choose it over scales or handheld devices.
Your scan is interpreted by a board-certified radiologist who sends a formal written report to you and your referring physician within 2 to 3 business days.
DEXA scans serve two distinct purposes, and Jersey City Imaging Center performs both. Some patients come for medical screening. Others come for body composition analysis. Many patients benefit from getting both at the same visit.
The standard test for diagnosing osteoporosis, monitoring bone health, and assessing your risk of fractures. Most often ordered by primary care doctors, endocrinologists, and rheumatologists.
The most accurate way to measure body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and the distribution of fat throughout your body. Often used by fitness-focused patients, athletes, weight loss program participants, and patients tracking changes over time.
Both scans use the same machine and the same low-dose technology. The difference is in how the data is processed and what your radiologist analyzes in the report.
A bone density DEXA scan is the most accurate way to assess the strength of your bones and your risk of fracture. It is the test your doctor uses to diagnose osteoporosis, osteopenia (early bone loss), and monitor how your bones are responding to treatment.
Standard medical guidelines recommend bone density screening for:
Most patients are scanned every 2 years to track changes over time. Patients being treated for osteoporosis or those at higher risk may be scanned more frequently as recommended by their physician.
A bone density DEXA scan measures the mineral content in your bones, most often at the spine, hip, and sometimes the wrist. The result is reported as a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult. Your physician uses this score to determine whether your bones are normal, slightly weakened (osteopenia), or significantly weakened (osteoporosis).
A body composition DEXA scan is the most accurate way to measure the makeup of your body. Unlike scales, body fat calipers, or bioelectrical impedance devices, DEXA gives you precise, clinically validated measurements of fat, muscle, and bone in different regions of your body.
Most patients tracking changes over time are scanned every 3 to 6 months. The repeat scans use the same protocol as the first, so the comparisons are direct and accurate.
Body composition scans are typically not covered by insurance, since they are considered wellness rather than medical screening. We provide clear self-pay pricing for body composition scans on request.
DEXA is one of the easiest scans you can have. Here is what happens from check-in to checkout.
When you arrive, our front desk verifies your identity, your prescription if you have one, and your insurance information.
You stay fully clothed for your DEXA scan. We will ask you to remove any metal items, including jewelry, belts, and clothing with metal zippers or snaps. Comfortable clothing without metal is ideal, though you can also change into a gown if you prefer.
You lie flat on a padded table while a scanning arm passes slowly above your body. You do not go inside a tube or tunnel. The scan is silent, painless, and you do not feel anything. Most scans take 10 to 20 minutes from start to finish.
The X-ray dose used in DEXA is extremely low, far lower than a standard chest X-ray and a small fraction of the natural background radiation you receive from one day of normal life.
You can leave immediately and resume your normal day. There is no recovery time and no medical restrictions.
A board-certified radiologist reviews your scan and prepares a formal written report. Your report is sent to you and your referring physician within 2 to 3 business days.
DEXA requires very little preparation. Here are the basics.
If you take calcium supplements, stop taking them for 24 hours before your scan, as they can affect the accuracy of the results.
Eat normally and take your regular medications unless your physician told you otherwise. Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or snaps. Leave large jewelry, belt buckles, and metal accessories at home.
Your prescription if you have one, a valid photo ID, your insurance card, and the date of any prior DEXA scan if you have had one (so we can request the prior images for comparison).
Tell our team before your scan. While DEXA uses very low radiation, we always confirm safety for pregnant or potentially pregnant patients.
If you had a barium study, contrast CT, or nuclear medicine scan within the past week, mention it to our team. We may recommend rescheduling to ensure accurate results.
DEXA is a quick scan, and walk-ins are welcome at Jersey City Imaging Center during regular hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you have a prescription and want to come in without an appointment, you are welcome to do so. We do our best to accommodate walk-ins as scheduling allows.
For the fastest service, call ahead at (551) 353-9911 to confirm availability before you arrive.
Jersey City Imaging Center accepts all major insurance plans for DEXA bone density screening, including Medicare and Medicaid. Most insured patients pay only their plan’s standard co-pay or coinsurance, which we verify before your appointment.
Body composition DEXA scans are typically considered wellness rather than medical screening, and most insurance plans do not cover them. We provide clear self-pay pricing for body composition scans on request, with quotes delivered in writing within one business day.
A DEXA scan at Jersey City Imaging Center takes 10 to 20 minutes from start to finish. The scan itself is silent and painless, and you stay fully clothed throughout. There is no recovery time, so you can resume your normal day immediately afterward.
Yes, for most patients who get one. A DEXA scan provides information that no other test can match. For bone density, it is the only way to accurately diagnose osteoporosis and assess fracture risk before a fracture happens. For body composition, it is the most precise way to measure body fat, lean muscle, and visceral fat, which gives you a far clearer picture than scales or BMI. The scan is quick, painless, low-dose, and the results inform real medical decisions.
Yes. New Jersey law requires a prescription from a licensed physician for diagnostic imaging, including DEXA. The prescription can come from any licensed provider, including primary care doctors, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, and other specialists. You do not need to be referred from a specific network.
The cost depends on whether you are using insurance or paying out of pocket. For bone density screening, most insured patients pay only their plan's standard co-pay or coinsurance, which we verify before your appointment. For body composition scans, which are typically not covered by insurance, we provide self-pay quotes in writing within one business day of request.
Insurance typically covers DEXA scans for bone density screening when ordered by a physician for medical reasons such as osteoporosis screening, fracture risk assessment, or monitoring of an existing diagnosis. Body composition scans are typically considered wellness and not covered by insurance.
Standard medical guidelines recommend bone density screening every 2 years for most patients tracking changes over time. Patients being treated for osteoporosis or at higher risk for fractures may be scanned more frequently as recommended by their physician. Your physician makes the final decision based on your individual health.
Both scans use the same DEXA machine, but they measure different things. A bone density scan measures the mineral content of your bones to assess osteoporosis risk and fracture risk. A body composition scan measures your total body fat, lean muscle mass, and visceral fat distribution. Some patients get both at the same visit.
Yes. The radiation dose used in DEXA is extremely low, far lower than a standard chest X-ray. The total exposure is roughly equivalent to one day of natural background radiation. DEXA is considered one of the lowest-dose imaging tests available.
Your DEXA scan is interpreted by a board-certified radiologist who sends a formal written report to you and your referring physician within 2 to 3 business days. We can send results to any provider you choose.
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome at Jersey City Imaging Center during regular hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For the fastest service, call ahead at (551) 353-9911 to confirm availability before you arrive.
Booking your DEXA scan at Jersey City Imaging Center takes just a few minutes online, or you can call us directly. Same-day appointments are often available, walk-ins are welcome, and our team verifies your insurance before your appointment so there are no surprises.
MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, X-ray, and DEXA bone density all under one roof at 2300 JFK Blvd. All insurance accepted. Walk-ins welcome. Reports in 2-3 business days.
2300 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07304
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