Concierge bone health imaging · UK
DEXA bone density scan - T-score, fracture risk, done properly.
A 10–15 minute low-dose scan that measures bone density at the hip and spine - T-scores, Z-scores and a FRAX-based fracture risk. Reported by a consultant with clear treatment guidance.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A subspecialty consultant radiologist’s report
Body, MSK, neuro or uroradiology consultants read the scan that fits - not a generalist working through a list.
- 02
Booked in days, not weeks
Weekday, evening and weekend slots across London and the major UK cities.
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Independent, and free
We take no fee from clinics, so the recommendation - including "don’t bother" - is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a DEXA bone density scan costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner imaging units. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with cover checked.
In short
DEXA in our network: £150–£300, report in 24–48 hours.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEXA spine and hips | £150–£250 | 10–15 min | 24–48 hours |
| DEXA including forearm | £180–£300 | 15–20 min | 24–48 hours |
| DEXA with body composition | £200–£350 | 20 min | 48 hours |
| DEXA + FRAX + consultant review | £350–£550 | 45 min | Same visit for review |
| Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) | +£50–£120 | +5 min | As base scan |
| Bone health consultation only | £200–£400 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by whether VFA or body composition is added and whether a consultant review is bundled.
The problem
Osteoporosis is quietly under-diagnosed until the first fracture.
In UK women over 50, roughly 1 in 2 will have a fragility fracture in their lifetime. A DEXA scan, a FRAX calculation and a treatment decision stops the drift toward that fracture.
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One scan, three numbers
T-score (vs a young adult), Z-score (vs your age) and FRAX 10-year risk of major and hip fracture.
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When to act, not just measure
A T-score below −2.5, or a FRAX above threshold, triggers treatment. A grown-up service says so plainly.
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Repeat only when it changes things
Every 2–5 years, sooner on steroids or aromatase inhibitors. Not annual.
The journey
From enquiry to recovery - what happens, in order.
One team from first message through operation, histology and follow-up.
Phase 1 · Before
Workup, imaging, planning
Phase 2 · On the day
Theatre and recovery
Phase 3 · After
Review and follow-up
- 01
Before
Tell us your risk factors
Age, menopause status, steroid use, prior fractures, family history.
- 02
Before
Same-week booking
Slots across our imaging network, evenings included.
- 03
Before
No fasting needed
Avoid calcium supplements the morning of the scan.
- 04
On the day
The scan
10–15 minutes lying on a padded table. Very low radiation dose.
- 05
On the day
Same-day images
Images available immediately for reporting.
- 06
After
Report with T- and Z-scores
Written report within 24–48 hours with FRAX 10-year fracture risk.
- 07
After
Treatment discussion
If treatment is indicated we set up the specialist call.
Typical end-to-end: 1–2 weeks from enquiry to reported scan.
When it helps
When a DEXA is the right step.
Who benefits - and the flag that means an X-ray first.
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Post-menopausal women
Bone loss accelerates after menopause. Baseline DEXA is often justified.
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Early or surgical menopause
Menopause before 45 - or after BSO - raises fracture risk substantially.
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Long-term steroid use
Prednisolone 5 mg for 3+ months is a clear indication.
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Previous fragility fracture
A wrist, hip or spine fracture from a low-energy fall changes management.
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Low BMI or restrictive eating
BMI under 19 or a history of restrictive eating disorders.
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Family history of osteoporosis
Especially maternal hip fracture.
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Aromatase inhibitors or ADT
Cancer treatments that accelerate bone loss.
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Red flag: back pain with height loss
Progressive height loss or new back pain in an older person can mean vertebral fracture - X-ray or VFA first.
Procedure options
Formats within DEXA.
What each add-on gives you.
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Standard DEXA (spine + hips)
T-scores at L1–L4 and total hip and femoral neck.
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DEXA with forearm
Useful where hip anatomy is distorted (hip replacement, severe arthritis).
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Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA)
A lateral spine image added - picks up silent vertebral fractures.
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DEXA with body composition
Whole-body fat and lean-mass measurement - used in nutrition and sports medicine.
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REMS ultrasound alternative
A radiation-free ultrasound-based alternative available in select centres.
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Paediatric DEXA
Different reference ranges and z-score-only reporting for under-20s.
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Baseline vs follow-up
Baseline informs risk; follow-up at 2–5 years measures response to treatment.
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DEXA + FRAX + review
The most useful bundle - scan, calculation and a specialist walkthrough.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of radiologists, we picked them.
Consultant radiologists across London and the major UK cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every consultant in our network.
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CQC-registered imaging centres with modern 1.5T/3T MRI, multislice CT or high-end ultrasound
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UK GMC-registered subspecialty consultant radiologists reporting the scan
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Same-week appointments including evenings and weekends across London and major UK cities
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Direct insurer preauth handling for Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
The safety profile is well understood. What matters is choosing the right test, and reading the report honestly.
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Very low radiation
A DEXA is roughly 1/10th of a chest X-ray. Safe to repeat.
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Not for pregnancy
DEXA is avoided in pregnancy - always ask if there’s a chance.
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Metal implants distort spine reads
Hip replacements, spinal fusion - forearm or non-instrumented sites used instead.
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Contrast studies wait 7–10 days
Recent barium or iodinated contrast can distort measurements.
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Body position matters
A trained radiographer is essential for reproducible follow-up.
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FRAX is a tool, not a rule
FRAX 10-year risk is a guide - clinical judgement still matters.
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Treatment discussion up front
If treatment is indicated, we set up the conversation the same week.
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Bone health is more than DEXA
Vitamin D, calcium, exercise, alcohol and smoking all matter.
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When to see A&E
Sudden severe back pain in an older person, especially after a fall - A&E.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever centre does the scan, the report keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the operation note and any histology before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and technique
Why the scan was done and which sites were measured.
- 02 Findings
T-score and Z-score per site
Lumbar spine (L1–L4), total hip, femoral neck, and forearm if scanned.
- 03 FRAX
10-year fracture risk
Major osteoporotic and hip fracture risk with age, sex and clinical factors input.
- 04 Impression
Diagnostic category and plan
Read this first - normal, osteopenia or osteoporosis, and any treatment recommendation.
Recognised by major UK insurers
DEXA is often self-pay for baseline screening, and covered by UK PMI when there’s a specific clinical indication (previous fracture, steroids, cancer treatment).
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about dexa bone density scan.
Quick answers on approach, recovery, risks and cost.
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What is a T-score?
A T-score compares your bone density to a healthy young adult. −1 to −2.5 is osteopenia; below −2.5 is osteoporosis. Z-score compares to your age group and matters more in younger and premenopausal women.
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Who should have a DEXA scan?
Post-menopausal women, men over 50 with risk factors, long-term steroid users, anyone with a fragility fracture, low BMI, early menopause, family history of osteoporosis, or on aromatase inhibitors or ADT.
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How much does a DEXA cost in the UK?
£150–£250 for spine and hips, £200–£350 with body composition, £350–£550 for the DEXA plus FRAX plus consultant review bundle.
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How often should I repeat a DEXA?
Every 2–5 years for average risk, sooner on steroids or after aromatase inhibitors. Annual scans rarely add value in stable disease.
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What treatment follows a positive scan?
For osteoporosis, most people are offered an oral bisphosphonate first-line. Denosumab, zoledronate or newer bone-forming agents follow for intolerance or higher risk. Vitamin D, calcium and exercise support any drug.
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Is DEXA safe?
Very. The radiation dose is roughly 1/10th of a chest X-ray. It’s avoided in pregnancy.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Menopause blood panel
Bloods around perimenopause.
Learn more -
Menopause clinic
HRT and long-term follow-up.
Learn more -
Well-woman health screen
Bloods, breast, cervical, DEXA optional.
Learn more -
Well-man health screen
Bloods, PSA, cardiovascular check.
Learn more -
Private MRI scan
For spinal pain and fractures.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Every test we arrange.
Learn more