Your First Appointment
YOUR FIRST VISIT
Thank you for choosing us as your care provider
Attending a DEXA scan is straightforward, comfortable and quick. This page explains exactly what to expect before, during and after your appointment so you can arrive feeling prepared and confident.
On the day of your appointment, please arrive 10-minutes early to ensure we have enough time to prepare any outstanding paperwork.
What to Bring
- A current referral from your GP or Specialist
- Medicare, DVA and Pension cards
- Your Private Health Insurance details
- Glasses (if you wear them)
You are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment if you wish to do so.
Before Your Appointment
- Clothing: Wear light, comfortable clothing without metal fasteners, zips or underwire. Metal can interfere with the scan. Activewear or loose-fitting garments are ideal.
- Eating and Drinking: You can eat and drink normally beforehand. There is no fasting required.
- Medications: Continue taking your usual medications unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
- Calcium Supplements: Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before your scan, as they may affect bone density measurements.
- Recent Imaging or Procedures: If you’ve recently had any imaging that uses contrast (such as CT with contrast, a barium study, or nuclear medicine scan), please let us know – your appointment may need to be spaced a few days apart for accuracy.
- Pregnancy: Please inform the clinic if you are (or might be) pregnant. DEXA uses extremely low radiation, but pregnant patients are generally advised to avoid unnecessary scans.
On The Day
Explore the information below, which will help you understand what to expect on the day.
When You Arrive
Check-In
Our team will confirm your details, review your referral (if required), and explain the study you are having – whether it’s a bone density scan, full body composition scan, or visceral fat assessment.
Questionnaire
You may be asked a few quick questions about your medical history, previous fractures, medications, or recent imaging. This helps ensure accurate and personalised reporting.
Change of Clothing
For some scans, you may be provided with a gown if your clothing contains metal or is unsuitable for imaging.
During the Scan
What the scan involves
You’ll lie comfortably on the padded scanning table while the DEXA arm moves slowly overhead. The scan is open, quiet and non-claustrophobic.
How long it takes
Most appointments take 20–30 minutes from start to finish, depending on the type of study.
What you will feel
DEXA is painless. You won’t feel anything during the scan, and there are no injections, dyes, or enclosed spaces.
Keeping still
To ensure precise results, you’ll be asked to remain still and relax your muscles during the brief imaging sequence.
After Your Appointment
What the scan involves
You’ll lie comfortably on the padded scanning table while the DEXA arm moves slowly overhead. The scan is open, quiet and non-claustrophobic.
Returning to normal activities
You can resume your day immediately after the scan – there are no restrictions, side effects or recovery time.
When you’ll receive your results
Your results are usually available within 24–48 hours, depending on the type of scan.
Reports are prepared by specially trained clinicians and sent directly to you and your referring doctor (if applicable).
Understanding your report
Your report will include:
- Bone density scores (T-score, Z-score)
- Body fat percentage
- Lean muscle mass
- Visceral fat level
- Segmental/regional analysis
- Changes compared to previous scans
If you need help interpreting the findings, our team is always happy to talk you through the results.
How long it takes
Most appointments take 10–20 minutes from start to finish, depending on the type of study.
What you will feel
DEXA is painless. You won’t feel anything during the scan, and there are no injections, dyes, or enclosed spaces.
Keeping still
To ensure precise results, you’ll be asked to remain still and relax your muscles during the brief imaging sequence.
If You Need to Reschedule
Life happens. If you need to change your appointment time, simply contact our team and we will accommodate you with minimal delay.
Have Questions?
If you’d like clarification before your scan – whether about preparation, referrals, Medicare eligibility, or which DEXA study is right for you – reach out to our friendly team. We’re here to make the process smooth, comfortable and informative.