Diagnosis of Osteoporosis
- Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a bone density scan. It is a simple scan that measures the density of your bones at the hip and spine.
- Bone Density scan is a quick and painless procedure. You simply lie on a flat padded table, the arm of the machine passes over your body, and the scan takes approximately 10-15 minutes. You remain clothed during the scan. Results from the test will be sent to your doctor.
- Your doctor or specialist will provide a referral for your bone density scan after assessing your risk factors for osteoporosis.
- Women and men over 50 with risk factors for osteoporosis need a bone check-up with a Bone Density scan. Younger adults with risk factors may also require a test as determined by their doctor. All scan services via the bone density bus are all bulk billed.
- Maintaining adequate calcium, vitamin D, and weight bearing exercise is extremely important for bone health.
- Bone density scans are widely available through most medical imaging outlets (where breast screening, x-rays and ultra-sounds are also available).
- Rural Mobile Bone Density Service- which is operated via SA Imaging allowing this service to be more accessible to country patients. The bone density bus comes to Renmark yearly, in May/June.
- A referral is required for a bone density and repeat bone density is indicated at least 2 years later based on the result.
