How to get a DXA scan?
I want a DXA scan. I mean, seriously, who doesn't? They're awesome, am I right?! And I keep hoping that all the radiation will give me super powers!!
Clearly I need to call my insurance first, but I'm procrastinating on that because my insurance sucks anyway and I hate it.
So in the meantime... assuming that insurance is all like "lolz, no," how do I get a scan on my own? Do I need a prescription? It seems like the only places that do DXAs near me are actual radiology places. Can I just schedule without a prescription? Can I even get one at age 39?
How much would a self pay DXA cost?
Throw your advice my way.
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
Your Dr has to order the Dexa Scan. Once that is done, you would need to see the hospital about making payment arrangements to pay for it out of pocket, if your insurance will not cover it. Most hospitals will do a payment plan, but it is usually 6 month plan. If you are self pay, you won't need to worry about authorization, but if ins wil cover it, you might have to get prior authorization. Your dr will submit labs and an history and physical and his notes on why he thinks you need one. So, nothing else you will need to do.
Good luck
Be sure to find a Dexa scan with body composition, as opposed to a regular Dexa scan, which only checks bone density. There are some places that will do it inexpensively. I believe someone said Eastern Michigan University will do it, so maybe check with colleges in your area. I found this one http://www.dexafit.com/ that has 2 for $250.
Let us know what you find out!!
Laura in Texas
53 years old; 5'7" tall; HW: 339 (BMI=53); GW: 140 CW: 170 (BMI=27)
RNY: 09-17-08 Dr. Garth Davis
brachioplasty: 12-18-09 Dr. Wainwright; lbl/bl: 06-28-11 Dr. LoMonaco
"May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears."
Ugh, wow. The nearest option for me is Philly (3 hours away) which is "coming soon" in 2017. Bummer!
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
Ooh! This is an option -- http://publichealth.gwu.edu/departments/exercise-and-nutrition-sciences/dc-lab-available-tests
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
A regular DEXA will not show body comp, as Laura said. Your doc has to write an order, and you can schedule. If you go to a free standing radiology place, it's cheaper. Price depends on area.
My doc wrote an order for my DEXA but only for bone health. I just need to get it.
I fight badgers with spoons.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
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I hate that these myths keep circulating. You don't get super powers from radiation. You get super powers only if you are bitten by something radioactive.
6'3" tall, male.
Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.
M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.
HW 347lbs SW-328lbs CW-247 lbs GW-212lbs Randolph, 
"Sing like no one's listening and dance like no one's watching!!"
Tell that to Ben Grimm!
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Roller derby - cycling - triathlon
VSG 2013, RNY conversion 2019 due to GERD. Trendweight here!
