People With Medicare

Bone Mass Measurement

What it is:

Bone mass measurements help your doctor tell if you are at risk for a broken bone (fracture). A disease that makes your bones weak can make them break more easily. This disease is called osteoporosis.

A simple scan can tell how dense your bones are. The test is painless, quick and accurate.

Why the screening is important:

This test can find osteoporosis before a bone breaks, and it can predict your chances of breaking a bone in the future. The results will help you and your doctor choose the best way to keep your bones strong.

Who is covered:

People at risk for osteoporosis are covered for this screening. Your risk for osteoporosis is higher if you:

  • are age 50 or older
  • are a woman
  • have a family history of broken bones
  • have a personal history of broken bones
  • are White or Asian
  • are small-boned
  • have low body weight (less than about 127 pounds)
  • smoke or drink a lot
  • have a low-calcium diet

How often is it covered:

The screening is covered once every 24 months (more often if medically necessary). Ask your doctor how to get this screening.

What you pay:

You pay nothing for cost of this service if you have Original Medicare and you see a doctor who "accepts assignment." Doctors who accept assignment agree to accept the amount that Medicare will pay for a visit or service (called the Medicare-approved amount) as payment in full.

If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, the plan cannot charge you for this service as long as you see an "in-network" provider, meaning a doctor who has an agreement to treat people who belong to the plan. If you use a provider outside your plan's network, it may cost you money.

Learn more about Bone Mass Measurement on Medicare.gov.

BACK: Preventive Services

Information on this web site was compiled from approved materials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.