Bone Density Test

To date, I have had just one bone density test. I saw my onc last month, and asked her when I would have the next test. She said that insurance doesn't cover tests that come up less than 1 1/2 years, but I did not ask her which insurance company. In my case, my next test would be in March '06 (first time in Aug '04). Is my onc correct?

If you have had the test more than once, would you tell me how often you take this? And were you covered by insurance every time? Thanks!

I have had 3 bone density tests...each one about 2 years apart. My insurance co (BC/BS) would not cover if done every year. This was done before I was dx with breast cancer...already had osteoporosis. Not sure how it would be covered if it were cancer/treatment related. I also know that bone density does not change drastically month by month so the results of the tests dont change much unless something weird is going on... hope this helps! Suzan

One thing I've read is that however often you have bone density tests, you should always have them at the same time of year if you live in a place where the amount of sunlight you get varies dramatically. Basically, if I understand it right, bone density varies quite a lot depending on how much sun (and therefor Vitamin D) you are getting...

Jeff

Jeff,

You just reminded me of something else in regards of the bone density test. They do not want us to take the test as long as we have not had a scan (I forgot which one) for at least 1 or 3 months, because the contrast dye could interfere with the imaging. Sorry about my fuzzy brain!!

Ladies / gentlmen, you are welcome to correct me! :-)

I have had two and they were fine but my PC says she will do one every two to three years because of the chemo otherwise I could go up to 5 years. Hope this helps. Hugs, Sandy

I will put in my 2 cents. My doctor wanted me to have it done yearly at about the same time every year. I live in the midwest and no one has said anything to me about being scanned before hand. I will however ask before my year is due which is in November. TC, K