Do I need a referral for my scan?

One of the most common questions we get about DEXA scans is whether you need a referral—and the answer depends on the type of scan you’re having. This is where a lot of confusion comes in. Some scans are considered medical investigations and do require a doctor’s referral, while others can be booked directly with no referral needed. Understanding the difference between these two types of scans is key to making sure you’re booking the right one for your goals.

Do You Need a Referral?

Another important difference between these scans is how they are accessed and reported.

Diagnostic Bone Density (BMD) Scan

A diagnostic BMD scan generally requires a doctor’s referral and is performed for a medical purpose — typically to assess bone health, fracture risk or concerns relating to osteoporosis.

The results are interpreted as a medical imaging investigation and include a radiologist report, along with diagnostic measures such as T-scores and Z-scores. These findings are then reviewed by your doctor in the context of your broader medical history and risk factors.

Body Composition DEXA Scan

A body composition DEXA scan does not require a referral and can be booked directly by individuals wanting more insight into their muscle mass, body fat, overall bone density and body composition.

Rather than being a medical imaging investigation, these scans are used to provide a detailed understanding of body composition and progress over time.

At our clinic, results can be analysed and explained by our dietitians, helping translate the data into practical nutrition, training and health recommendations relevant to your goals.

In short:

• BMD scan = medical investigation of bone health (doctor referral + radiologist report)

• Body composition scan = body composition insight (no referral + dietitian analysis)

  
  

Which Scan Do You Need?

The right scan depends on your goal.

You may benefit from a diagnostic BMD scan if you are concerned about:

• Osteoporosis

• Bone strength

• Fracture risk

• Menopause-related bone loss

• Medical conditions affecting bone health

  
  

You may benefit from a body composition DEXA scan if you want to:

• Track fat loss or muscle gain

• Monitor training progress

• Assess muscle symmetry

• Better understand changes in body composition

• Get more detailed insight than body weight alone

  
  

In some situations, people may choose to have both, particularly if they are interested in both bone health and body composition.