The short answer
For a Medicare rebate, yes. A DEXA (bone density) scan needs a referral, usually from your GP, and Medicare only pays if you're 70 or over or have one of a specific list of reasons, such as a fracture after minimal trauma, long-term steroid use or certain medical conditions [1][2]. Each reason has its own limit on how often Medicare will pay. If you don't qualify, you can still have the scan but you pay the full fee [5].
On this page
Do you need a referral for a DEXA scan?
For a Medicare rebate, yes. A DEXA scan (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, also called a bone density or BMD scan) is billed differently from most imaging. Medicare treats it as a specialist service provided on referral from a medical practitioner, and the scan is interpreted and reported by a specialist or consultant physician [2]. Your doctor will assess you and decide whether you need one [5].
From 1 November 2026, participating nurse practitioners can also refer for these Medicare items [3].
Having a referral isn't enough on its own. Medicare only pays if you meet one of the eligibility rules below, and only as often as each rule allows [1].
Who is eligible for a Medicare bone density scan?
These are the Medicare bone densitometry items as at November 2026 [1]:
| Item | Who it's for | How often Medicare pays |
|---|---|---|
| 12320 | Age 70 or over, and either no previous bone density scan or a T-score of -1.5 or higher | Once every 5 years |
| 12322 | Age 70 or over, with a T-score below -1.5 but above -2.5 | Once every 2 years |
| 12306 | To confirm low bone density after one or more fractures from minimal trauma, or to monitor low bone density shown on a scan at least 12 months earlier | Once every 24 months |
| 12312 | Prolonged glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy, conditions with excess glucocorticoid production, male hypogonadism, or female hypogonadism lasting more than 6 months before age 45 | Once every 12 months |
| 12315 | Primary hyperparathyroidism, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, a proven malabsorption disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, or conditions with excess thyroid hormone | Once every 24 months |
| 12321 | At least 12 months after a significant change in treatment, for established low bone density or low bone density linked to a minimal trauma fracture | Once every 12 months |
What the terms mean
Medicare's explanatory notes define some of these more precisely [2]:
- Prolonged glucocorticoid therapy means a dose of at least 7.5 mg of prednisolone a day (or an inhaled dose of at least 800 micrograms of beclomethasone or budesonide), expected to last at least 4 months. You need to still be on it at the time of the scan.
- Malabsorption disorder includes histologically proven coeliac disease, among other criteria.
- Significant change in treatment means something like a change in the class of medicine, not just a change in dose.
- Low bone mineral density means bone density more than 1.5 standard deviations below the average for your age, or more than 2.5 standard deviations below the young adult average.
If a condition like rheumatoid arthritis or an endocrine problem is the reason for your scan, you may also be under the care of a rheumatologist or an endocrinologist, either of whom can refer you.
What if you're under 70 and don't have one of these conditions?
You can still have a DEXA scan if your doctor thinks it's worthwhile, but if none of the Medicare reasons apply, you'll need to pay the full amount yourself [5]. Ask the practice for the fee when you book.
How long does a DEXA referral last?
Because bone densitometry is a referred specialist service rather than a standard imaging request, Medicare's usual referral rules apply. A referral from a GP is valid for 12 months from the first service, unless the GP writes a different period, and a referral from a specialist is valid for 3 months [4]. In practice, the frequency limits in the table matter more than the referral date. See how long a referral lasts for the general rules.
How much does a DEXA scan cost?
Each of the Medicare bone densitometry items has a schedule fee of $122.55, with a Medicare benefit of $104.20 (fees updated 1 July 2026, checked November 2026) [1].
- Bulk billed. You pay nothing.
- Not bulk billed. You pay the practice's fee and claim the Medicare benefit back. The difference is your out-of-pocket cost.
- Not eligible for Medicare. You pay the full fee [5].
Private health insurance generally won't help with a scan done outside hospital. If you're not an admitted hospital patient, your fees may only be claimable through Medicare [7].
What happens during a DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan is quick and simple [6]:
- No preparation is needed. You don't need to fast and can take your usual medicines.
- It takes about 10 to 30 minutes, and there are no injections or enclosed spaces.
- The radiation dose is extremely small, much less than a normal X-ray, but the test isn't suitable if you are or might be pregnant.
- Tell the radiographer if you've had spinal or hip surgery, especially with metal implants.
For Medicare, the scan must measure at least two sites, including the lower spine and the top of the thigh bone (hip), unless that isn't possible [2].
Understanding your results
Your result compares your bone density with young healthy adults of the same sex and with people of your age and sex [6]. It helps your doctor work out your fracture risk, whether you have osteopenia or osteoporosis, and whether treatment might help [6]. The report goes to the doctor who referred you, so book a follow-up to talk it through [6].
If your doctor is concerned about a less common cause of weak bones, you might be referred for other tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, blood tests, or a specialist opinion [6].
Can I get a DEXA referral through telehealth?
Usually, yes. Eligibility for most DEXA items depends on your age, history, medicines and previous scan results, which a GP can go through by phone or video. If your GP needs more information first, such as blood tests, they'll explain what's needed.
If you've had a fall and think you may have broken a bone, especially a hip, call 000 or go to the emergency department.
Getting a referral
Referral GP offers phone and video consultations with AHPRA-registered Australian GPs. Where it's clinically appropriate, your GP can write a referral for a bone density scan and explain whether you're likely to be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
Fees. Bulk billed for eligible patients. If you're not eligible, a consultation fee may apply, and we'll confirm it with you before your consult.
A consultation doesn't guarantee a referral. Your GP decides what's clinically appropriate. We're not an emergency service.
Request a consult for an imaging request
This page is general information, not medical or legal advice.
Common questions
Can I get a free bone density scan at 70?
Medicare pays a rebate for a bone density scan if you're 70 or over, within the frequency limits for your result [1]. If the practice bulk bills, you won't pay anything; otherwise you pay the gap between the fee and the Medicare benefit.
How often will Medicare pay for a DEXA scan?
Can I get a DEXA scan under 70?
Can a nurse practitioner refer me for a bone density scan?
Yes. From 1 November 2026, participating nurse practitioners can refer patients for the Medicare bone densitometry items [3].
References
- MBS Online. Items 12306 to 12322: Bone densitometry. Schedule fees updated 1 July 2026. Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/search.cfm?q=12306-12322&sopt=I
- MBS Online. Explanatory note DN.1.18: Bone densitometry (items 12306 to 12322). Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=DN.1.18&qt=noteID
- MBS Online. November 2026 news: Summary of changes for 1 November 2026. Page last updated 1 October 2026. Accessed November 2026. mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/news-202611
- MBS Online. Explanatory note GN.6.16: Referral of patients to specialists or consultant physicians. Accessed November 2026. www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=GN.6.16&qt=noteID
- healthdirect. Bone density scan. Last reviewed March 2025. Accessed November 2026. healthdirect.gov.au/procedures/diagnostic-tests-and-scans/bone-density
- InsideRadiology (RANZCR). Bone mineral density (BMD) scan. Accessed November 2026. insideradiology.com.au/bone-mineral-density-scan
- Australian Government, privatehealth.gov.au. Out of pocket costs. Accessed November 2026. privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/howitworks/out_of_pocket.htm
Published by Referral GP. Last updated 6 November 2026. This page is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice about your own situation. If you or someone else is in danger, call 000.