What Is The CPT Code For Dexa Scan?

(November 7, 2011)

How much does a DEXA Scan cost?

Bone density is a very important aspect of the durability of the body. Degenerative conditions like osteoporosis, which is common in the ageing process, can only be held off for as long as possible with optimum bone density. The DEXA scan is the foremost method of bone density in today’s hi – tech world of medicine and the individuals that are usually asked to take it include those that have been under long term use of steroids, vertebral abnormalities, suffering from vanishing bone disease as well as patients that suffer from hyperthyroidism. The cost of a Dexa scan is rather pricey because of the high Dexa scan machine cost. However, rates will differ from hospital to hospital as well as clinic to clinic and you should enquire at the place of treatment. The Dexa scan report will mention the mineral density values of a young normal patient (known as the T score) and an age matched normal person (the Z score) before comparing this with the patient’s bone density readings.

It is important to understand, however, that dexa scanning is not a treatment process, but merely a test that helps indicate the risk that a patient is at when it comes to suffering from a serious condition like osteoporosis. Moreover, the bone density of an individual will also help gauge how susceptible one is to bone fracture.

CPT Code For DEXA Scan

A DEXA scan is used primarily in the diagnosis of osteoporosis as it is a method of measuring the density of the bones. DEXA is basically short for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. There is a standardized system of classification for following medical procedures and providing services, which is maintained through certain designated codes; in other words Current Procedural Terminology or CPT. The CPT code for dexa scans is 77080.

As indicated this test checks the density levels of bones. The greater the density of the tissue or bones, the harder it is for X-rays to pass through. While air and fluids have a low density, as the particles that comprise them are not as tightly bound together, solid objects like bones have much higher density levels. It can be said that the higher the density levels of the bone the greater is the strength as the chances of any damage or breakage to the bone are much lower.

Dexa scans are usually used on the lower spine and pelvic area or the hips. In some cases and usually with children the entire body may be scanned. Dexa scans are useful in the diagnosis of osteoporosis because of the nature of the condition that involves loss of bone density. Although it primarily affects women post menopause it could also occur in men. The condition basically involves a gradual and steady loss of calcium. This is also accompanied by structural changes and the effect is that the bones start to get thinner and also become a lot more fragile and susceptible to breakage or fractures. Dexa scans are not just useful for making a diagnosis of osteoporosis, but also in the follow up treatment to keep track and monitor the progress. It could also help in the diagnosis and treatment of other conditions that cause bone loss.

Dexa scans help determine the risk of fractures in an individual. The risk of fractures is not determined solely by bone density, but also by factors such as the age of the patient, body weight, medical history in the context of fractures, hereditary factors, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or heavy alcohol consumption. All of these factors have to be taken in to account when determining the need for therapy or formulating a treatment plan.

There are two methods of DEXA scanning with different devices; Central DEXA examination involves larger devices for measurement of bone density mainly in the central skeletal areas like the hip and spine. Peripheral DEXA on the other hand involves smaller machines for measuring bone density on the extremities or periphery like the wrist, heel or finger.