The DXA-Scan is designed to screen for Osteoporosis and Osteopenia.
South Hills OBGYN has a GE Lunar Prodigy Direct-Digital DXA system for measuring bone density.
Our office performs DXA-scans on post-menopausal patients to see if there is any loss of bone density. If there is a loss of bone density, there are now drugs to stop the process of losing bone strength in its tracks and there is some evidence that some of the medications actually reverse of loss of density, somewhat.
Insurance will pay for a preventive care screening every two years after menopause and for a few other reasons such as family history. If you are diagnosed with bone loss, some insurance plans will pay for a DXA-scan once a year after the diagnosis.
To schedule an appointment for a DXA-scan in our office, call 412-572-6127. You can also have it scheduled for the same day as you annual visit. We offer the screening Monday thru Friday, 9AM to 4PM
- A DXA-scan takes about fifteen minutes.
- It is a good idea to wear comfortable, pull-on pants without any metal parts.
- Within a few days of having the DXA done, one of our physicians will read the DXA-scan.
You will find out about the results of your DXA scan in one of two ways.
If the nurse needs to speak to you about medications for bone density loss, you will receive an automated call from our office.
OR
If your bone density is within an acceptable range, you will receive a card in the mail with your bone density score.
IF YOU RECEIVE AN AUTOMATED CALL ABOUT YOUR DXA RESULTS, call 412-572-6127 and ask for Dora. IT IS BEST TO RETURN THE CALL IN THE AFTERNOON.