You can get a DEXA scan at several types of places, and there are now a lot more “walk‑in” style options than there were a few years ago.

Main places to get a DEXA scan

  • Hospital radiology or imaging centers (often used for bone density and osteoporosis screening; usually needs a referral, especially if going through insurance).
  • Private DEXA/body-composition clinics and fitness-focused providers (they advertise body fat, muscle mass, visceral fat, and bone density scans, often self‑pay, no referral needed).
  • Sports performance / wellness centers that partner with imaging facilities or mobile DEXA trucks, especially in larger cities and college towns.
  • Radiology practices that also offer whole‑body composition in addition to standard bone density testing.

How to actually find one near you

Use one or more of these approaches:

  1. Search local hospitals and imaging centers
    • Go to nearby hospital or health‑system websites and search for “DEXA” or “bone density,” then check if they also offer whole‑body composition.
    • Call their imaging department and ask: “Do you offer DEXA body composition scans, or just bone density? Do you take self‑pay?”.
  1. Use national “DEXA near me” finders
    • Several companies run locator tools where you enter your ZIP code or city to see partner locations and book online, sometimes without needing your own doctor’s order.
 * These networks often include fitness‑oriented clinics and traditional imaging centers and can handle the physician order in the background when required.
  1. Check local fitness / performance centers
    • Search terms like “DEXA scan + your city” or “body composition scan + your city”; many strength gyms, CrossFit boxes, and sports‑performance labs host periodic DEXA scan days with mobile vans or have an on‑site scanner.
 * These are usually cash‑pay but more flexible on scheduling and may offer package deals if you plan repeat scans.

Cost, referral, and insurance basics

  • Cost range: Self‑pay body‑composition DEXA is often positioned as a wellness/fitness service and typically priced as a flat fee per scan; exact numbers vary by region, but wellness‑focused clinics emphasize transparent, up‑front pricing and packages for repeat scans.
  • Insurance:
    • If it’s ordered for osteoporosis screening (bone density), insurance is more likely to cover it, but you’ll usually need a referral and to check your co‑pay or deductible with your plan.
* Fitness‑oriented full‑body composition scans are commonly out‑of‑pocket.
  • Referral:
    • Hospital radiology departments often require a physician order, especially if billing insurance.
* Many private DEXA services let you book directly and either don’t require a referral or arrange the physician order for you behind the scenes when needed.

What to expect at the appointment

  • The scan itself is quick, usually around 10–15 minutes, and uses very low‑dose X‑rays to measure bone mineral density and body composition.
  • You lie on a table while the scanner passes over you; it is not enclosed like an MRI.
  • Clothing: They’ll typically ask you to wear light clothing without metal; sports bras without underwire or metal components are often recommended because metal can interfere with the image.
  • Results: Many wellness providers give you a digital report with body fat, lean mass, visceral fat, and regional breakdowns (arms, legs, trunk), sometimes with comparison charts and follow‑up options.

Quick example of how you might proceed

  • Step 1: Search “DEXA scan near me” in your city and open any hospital imaging, radiology practices, and DEXA‑branded body‑composition clinics in the results.
  • Step 2: For each, check if they:
    • List “body composition” or “visceral fat” (usually fitness‑oriented, self‑pay).
    • List “bone density/osteoporosis” (typically medical, insurance route).
  • Step 3: Call or use online booking to confirm: price, whether you need a referral, and what type of scan (bone density only vs. full body composition).

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.