My doctor recommended a bone density test. Is this considered preventive care under Medicare?

Question

Clare Burley · Accepted Answer

Yes, bone density screenings are considered preventive under Medicare Part B. They are typically covered every 24 months, however they can be approved more frequently if medically necessary.

Larry Dalton · Answer

Yes, but it is covered under Medicare with a doctor's order.  This test is generally covered only once every 24 months.

Charise Karjala · Answer

Yes.  Bone density is an important metric to watch over time.  Decreased bone density can point toward illness that, when caught early, can be mitigated.

Melonie Wood · Answer

Yes, bone density tests are considered a preventive service under Medicare Part B, and are covered once every 24 months (or more often if medically necessary) if you meet certain criteria,

Misty Bolt · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/bone-density-test-medicare-preventive-coverage#misty-bolt

Cynthia Nakaya · Answer

This is considered preventative care under Medicare part B, and can be done once every 24 months, or more if your doctor says it's medically necessary. If you have any of the following, your doctor is more likely to recommend it be done more often:
1-You're a woman whose doctor determines you are estrogen deficient and are at risk for osteoporosis
2-Your X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia, or vertebral fractures
3-You're taking prednisone or steroid-type drugs, or are planning to begin this treatment
4-You've been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism
5-You're being monitored to see if your osteoporosis drug therapy is working

There may be other reasons, depending on your personal medical history, that would cause your doctor to request more frequent scans.

Anthony Castelluccio · Answer

Most cases a bone density test is considered preventive care.  Just be careful if you are on a Medicare Advantage, you should stay in network.

Alyssa Gonzales · Answer

You bet! The key words are preventative and that it's medically necessary. It’s usually covered once every 24 months, or more often if medically needed. As long as your provider accepts Medicare assignment, you won’t pay anything out of pocket.

Answered by Alyssa Gonzales on April 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, CO, IA & 9 other states

Answered by Alyssa Gonzales Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Lovell · Answer

Under specific circumstances, Medicare considers a bone density test as a preventative service.   They will normally cover them every 24 months.

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

That depends on WHY the doctor is ordering the test. If you’ve never had problems and they’re checking to make sure everything is ok, that should be coded as preventative and covered at 100% as a preventative test. If you have a diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis and they’re checking the progression of the disease, that should be coded as a diagnostic test and covered as a diagnostic test under your insurance plan. Always discuss the coding of tests with your doctor BEFORE the test is done to avoid surprise bills down the road.

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® on June 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Barbara Barnes, CMIP® Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Salisbury · Answer

Yes....Medicare Part B typically covers bone density tests also known as bone mass measurement\s for individuals who meet certain criteria. These tests are covered once every 24 months, or more frequently if medically necessary.

Answered by Diana Salisbury on April 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, IN & MI

Answered by Diana Salisbury Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Leichner · Answer

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers this test once every 24 months (or more often if medically necessary) if you meet one or more of these conditions:

You’re a woman whose doctor determines you’re estrogen-deficient and at risk for osteoporosis, based on your medical history and other findings.
Your X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia, or vertebral fractures.
You’re taking prednisone or steroid-type drugs or are planning to begin this treatment.
You’ve been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism.
You’re being monitored to see if your osteoporosis drug therapy is working.

SO, if you have a Medicare supplement plan you may have to pay the Part B Deductible of $257 in 2025.  If you have a Medicare Advantage plan it is probably covered in full under a Preventative benefit.  

Questions?  You can call me, Brian Leichner at 402.708.6616.  My agency is licensed in all 50 States.

Fred Manas · Answer

Yes, Medicare Part B typically covers bone density tests as a preventive service under certain conditions. Medicare will cover a bone density test once every 24 months for routine screening, especially for women at risk for osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency or medical history. 
Elaboration:
Preventive Care:
Medicare Part B covers routine preventive and outpatient services, including tests ordered by your doctor to diagnose or monitor certain health conditions. Bone density tests are considered a preventive service because they help diagnose and manage osteoporosis, a condition that can increase the risk of fractures. 
Coverage Criteria:
To qualify for coverage, you typically need to meet one or more of the following criteria:
You are a woman whose doctor has determined you are estrogen deficient and at risk for osteoporosis. 
Your X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia, or vertebral fractures. 
You are taking or will begin taking prednisone or steroid-type drugs. 
You have been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism. 
You are being monitored to see if your osteoporosis drug therapy is working. 
Frequency:
Generally, Medicare will cover a bone density test once every 24 months for preventive screening. However, more frequent testing may be covered if your doctor deems it medically necessary, for example, if you are being monitored for osteoporosis treatment. 
Medically Necessary:
If a bone density test is ordered to diagnose a specific condition or monitor a patient's condition, it might be considered a medically necessary service, even if it doesn't qualify as a routine preventive screening.

Marcie Barnes · Answer

You Medicare Advantage plan provides a list of covered preventative services.  Refer to your evidence of coverage or reach out to your insurance company for further details

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

A bone density scan is NOT considered preventative and is not covered under Medicare., unfortunately. You have to use your Medicare Supplement or Nedicaid to pay for the scan.

William Scott · Answer

Yes! Most Medicare Advantage plans have bone density tests and other health screenings under their Preventive Care listings. Check with your Broker to see if your Medicare Advantage plan carrier offer this service at no cost to you.

Answered by William Scott on June 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, CO, NC, OH, SC & TX

Answered by William Scott Medicare Insurance Agent

Wild Bill Anderson · Answer

Yes. We can talk about the many preventative test available.  Think of these tests like a engine diagnostics.

Donnie Vermillion · Answer

Yes, it is considered a preventive service. 

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers this test once every 24 months (or more often if medically necessary) if you meet one or more of these conditions:

You’re a woman whose doctor determines you’re estrogen-deficient and at risk for osteoporosis, based on your medical history and other findings.
Your X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia, or vertebral fractures.
You’re taking prednisone or steroid-type drugs or are planning to begin this treatment.
You’ve been diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism.
You’re being monitored to see if your osteoporosis drug therapy is working.

You pay nothing for this test if the doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment.

My doctor recommended a bone density test. Is this considered preventive care under Medicare?

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My doctor recommended a bone density test. Is this considered preventive care under Medicare?

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