Is there a test to diagnose osteoporosis, doctor? >Yes, there is it’s called a bone density test or a DEXA scan and it is a painless, non-internet, non-invasive exam similar to an x-ray that can help us determine your bone density status >And that’s what right there? >Yep, that looks like it right there. >All right, so this kind of does what? Can you explain to us? How long? So people can know it’s effortless. >Yes, yes, it’s effortless it is like an x-ray machine you can wear your clothes of course it will detect any buttons or metal so you may be asked to wear a gown and does not require any preparation you don’t need any intravenous medications or sedation generally the test takes about 15 to 20 minutes and like I said similar to an x-ray. >All right so a lot of people probably have these kind of questions so let me just start asking them because I started jotting them down, you need a prescription? >You do need a prescription for most places to get a bone density scan. >What age do you recommend one, doctor? >So the age recommendations there are some guidelines generally for women over age 65 from men over age 70 and you may need it at a younger age if you have certain risk factors which I know we’re gonna be discussing later. >Is there a lot of radiation here? Sometimes people want to know that. >That’s a great question it’s actually considered low radiation equivalent to basically your atmospheric exposure on any given day. >And when do you recommend a follow-up when you first start? >So, generally the DEXA scans are done every two years. >All right and I know hospitals like Baptist offer what they call heel scans can you tell— free for that matter can you tell us what those are and does it replace a bone density test? >That’s a great question and I actually get that question a lot from patients a heel scan is a type of screening test that’s offered at a lot of health player a lot of health fairs and by a lot of employers and by our health care facility as well and it is a good screening test to find out if this is something that you should discuss with your doctor it does not replace a DEXA scan which is a central exam and more complete but I am in favor of the scans because it does allow for patients to start to have a conversation with their physicians.