Published by: Medicare
Many people with osteoporosis don’t know they have it until they break a bone. If you think you may be at risk, talk with your doctor about getting a bone mass measurement. This test can help prevent or detect osteoporosis at an early stage when treatment works best.
Medicare Part B covers a bone mass measurement once every 24 months (more often if medically necessary) — at no cost to you when your doctor orders it.
Along with getting tested, here are more ways to keep your bones strong:
- Eat foods that support bone health, like leafy green vegetables and fish
- Exercise by doing weight-bearing activities, like strength training or hiking
- Don’t smoke, and limit your alcohol consumption
Remember: Your risk of osteoporosis grows as you get older. 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men over the age of 50 will develop osteoporosis, so it’s important to take steps early to help protect your bones!
Bone mass measurements
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.
Your costs in Original Medicare
You pay nothing for this test if the doctor or other health care provider accepts the assignment.
Note
Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.