How to Book a Bone Density (BMD DEXA) Scan at Physique Science: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 7
If you’ve been advised to have a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) DEXA scan, or you’re proactively
looking into your bone health, understanding the process can make it feel much simpler.
At Physique Science, we aim to make the journey straightforward, transparent, and clinically guided. Here’s exactly what to expect — from seeing your GP through to receiving your results.
Step 1: Book an Appointment with Your GP
The first step is to book in with your General Practitioner (GP).
A Bone Mineral Density (BMD) DEXA scan requires a medical referral, so your GP will assess your medical history, risk factors, and overall suitability for imaging.
Your GP may recommend a scan if you have concerns relating to:
Osteoporosis or osteopenia risk
Menopause or hormonal changes
Previous fractures or injury history
Family history of low bone density
Long-term medication use that may affect bone health (such as corticosteroids)
Eating disorders, nutritional concerns or low energy availability
Athletic performance and bone health monitoring
General preventative health screening
Step 2: Ask Your GP for a BMD DEXA Scan Referral
During your appointment, ask your GP about a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) DEXA scan referral.
Your doctor will determine whether the scan is clinically appropriate and whether you meet the criteria for a Medicare rebate or require a private referral.
Eligibility for Medicare can depend on factors such as age, fracture history, medical conditions, medications, or other risk factors affecting bone health. If you’re not eligible for Medicare, a private referral pathway is still available.
Step 3: Send the Referral to Physique Science
Once your GP has created your referral, it will need to be sent through to us at Physique Science.
Your GP will provide you with the documentation and you will need to email it through to us.
Step 4: Radiologist Review & Approval
Before your appointment can be confirmed, all referrals must be reviewed and approved by our radiologist.
This step ensures the referral is clinically appropriate and that all required information is included to safely and accurately perform your scan.
This approval process is a Radiation Safety standard in QLD and helps ensure you receive the right imaging and reporting pathway.
Step 5: Once Approved, We’ll Book Your Appointment
After approval is complete, our team will contact you to confirm your appointment.
We’ll guide you through any preparation requirements and answer any questions you may have before attending. Our goal is to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 6: Attend Your Scan at Physique Science
On the day of your appointment, you’ll come into Physique Science for your BMD DEXA scan.
The scan itself is quick, non-invasive, and low-radiation.
During the appointment, we will assess:
Your lower spine (lumbar spine)
Your hip
The DEXA scan uses very low-dose radiation and each scan itself takes approximately 30 seconds per scan to complete.
The most time-consuming part of the appointment is accurate positioning. To ensure reliable and clinically accurate results, our clinician will carefully position you and identify the correct anatomical landmarks — particularly around the hip. This may involve firm palpation (applying pressure through the skin and surrounding tissue) to locate the correct bony landmarks prior to scanning.
While some people may notice mild discomfort from this positioning process, the scan itself is quick and well tolerated.
Step 7: Your Results Are Finalised and Sent to Your GP
Results are not provided during the appointment.
Following your scan, your images and findings are finalised in conjunction with our radiologist before being sent directly to your referring GP.
Your GP will then discuss your results with you, explain what they mean in the context of your health, and determine whether any follow-up care, interventions, or ongoing monitoring may be helpful.
Why Bone Density Matters
Bone health is often overlooked until a problem occurs — but understanding your bone density early can provide valuable insights into long-term health and injury prevention.
Ready to Get Started?
If you think a Bone Mineral Density DEXA scan may be right for you, start by booking an appointment with your GP and discussing whether a referral is appropriate.
If you do not have a GP and need help finding someone that can help, please contact us.
