Bone Density Scan (DEXA)
Bone density scans measure the density, or strength, of bones using low-dosage X-rays.
Bone Densitometry (DEXA) is unlike ordinary X-rays since it can measure tiny reductions in bone density. This makes it possible to diagnose osteoporosis in its early stages, and assess your risk of fracture.
Types of MRIs
MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves instead of x-rays to produce detailed pictures of the human body. As the radio waves pass through the body, images are created on a computer screen for radiologists to analyze.
Depending on the type of imaging and the area being scanned, we will recommend a specific MRI machine for your unique procedure.
1.5T is ideal for scanning abdomens and chests, and has high accuracy for patients with certain implants.
3.0T imaging creates clear images of small bones and the breast, musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular systems.
Breast MRI is performed as a supplementary screening procedure alongside mammography.
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Types of Mammography
Screening mammography
Helps identify early detection of breast cancer, prior to symptoms — the point at which treatment is the most effective.
If there is cancer present, early detection can be life-saving. With 3D Digital Mammography, it is possible to detect small abnormalities much sooner than with traditional 2D scans. The smaller a tumor is when it's detected, the less likely the cancer cells will be able to spread to other parts of the body.
Diagnostic mammography
Helps investigate unusual symptoms or scan abnormalities.
If a patient has experienced symptoms such as discharge, tenderness, skin changes, or a lump, or a screening mammogram results in any abnormal findings, diagnostic mammography may be used as a follow-up. Diagnostic scans may be combined with other imaging methods for the greatest accuracy and precision. Your radiologist will help determine the best type of imaging to evaluate the area in question.
Eligibility
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Breast Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the breast area for examination under a microscope. This procedure can help to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
AMI offers an advanced localization procedure prior to surgery, radio frequency identification technology (RFID). The RFID technology uses wireless radio waves to transfer data and identify objects by “tagging” breast lesions for surgical removal.
RESULTS
Our radiologists will review your images while a pathologist examines the biopsy. You will receive a personalized call within 72 hours of your procedure. The results will be sent to your referring healthcare provider and are available to you via the Bozeman Health “MyChart” portal. If you don’t have a MyChart account and would like one click here.
Breast MRI
A breast MRI is a painless, highly accurate diagnostic test that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast. Breast MRI does not use radiation, but uses a dye called Gadolinium, which is absorbed by breast tissue. The speed at which breast tissue absorbs the dye allows radiologists to find breast cancer. Highly sensitive breast MRIs are recommended by experts in the following situations:
Screening Exam
- women at high risk for breast cancer
- women with dense breast tissue
- women with a history of breast cancer
- assessing breast implants
Diagnostic Exam
- determining extent of cancer after a new diagnosis of breast cancer – surgical planning
- further evaluating hard-to-assess abnormalities seen on mammography
- assessing the effectiveness of certain types of chemotherapy before surgery
For more information on Breast MRI, click here
RESULTS
Our radiologists will review your images. The results will be sent to your referring healthcare provider and are available to you via the Bozeman Health “MyChart” portal. If you don’t have a MyChart account and would like one click here.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to obtain a detailed picture of the soft tissue of the breast. It is a safe and painless procedure. It is often used in conjunction with a diagnostic mammogram to assist the radiologist in diagnosing breast cancer. A breast ultrasound can determine whether a mass or lump is fluid-filled or solid. It can guide breast biopsies or cyst aspirations.
Automated Breast Ultrasound Screening
Screening breast ultrasound called Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS), is an annual test using ultrasound of both breasts, often in conjunction with screening mammography, to better evaluate dense breast tissue. Check with your healthcare provider to learn about your breast density and to see if you are a candidate for screening automated whole-breast ultrasound.
RESULTS
Our radiologists will review your images. The results will be sent to your referring healthcare provider and are available to you via the Bozeman Health “MyChart” portal. If you don’t have a MyChart account and would like one click here.
SCHEDULING
Call 406-414-5201 to request one of these services.
Screening Breast MRI: Prior authorization from your insurance is required or you can select to pay out-of-pocket. Out-of-pocket exam cost: $500 OR $350 for implant evaluation.
Automated Breast Ultrasound Screening: Insurance coverage may be available, deductible would apply. If you select to pay out-of-pocket, the exam cost is $560.
What can I expect?
DEXA scans use very low dose radiation to capture an image – a dose equivalent to less than 1 day of natural background radiation present in air, soil, and building materials. Bone density measurement is simple and painless. You can even remain dressed. You will be asked not to take a calcium supplement the day of your exam.
RESULTS
Our radiologists will review the image the same day it is performed. The results will be sent to your referring healthcare provider and are available to you via the Bozeman Health “MyChart” portal. If you don’t have a MyChart account and would like one click here.
If you’d like to learn more about how to calculate bone density, click here.
Scheduling
DEXA is offered at AMI Main Campus and AMI Cottonwood Clinic | Call 406.414.5201 to schedule an appointment.
What can I expect?
DEXA scans use very low dose radiation to capture an image – a dose equivalent to less than 1 day of natural background radiation present in air, soil, and building materials. Bone density measurement is simple and painless. You can even remain dressed. You will be asked not to take a calcium supplement the day of your exam.
Scheduling
DEXA is offered at AMI Main Campus and AMI Cottonwood Clinic | Call 406.414.5201 to schedule an appointment.
DEXA is offered at AMI Main Campus and AMI Cottonwood Clinic | Call 406.414.5201 to schedule an appointment.
What can I expect?
DEXA scans use very low dose radiation to capture an image – a dose equivalent to less than 1 day of natural background radiation present in air, soil, and building materials. Bone density measurement is simple and painless. You can even remain dressed. You will be asked not to take a calcium supplement the day of your exam.
RESULTS
Our radiologists will review the image the same day it is performed. The results will be sent to your referring healthcare provider and are available to you via the Bozeman Health “MyChart” portal. If you don’t have a MyChart account and would like one click here.
If you’d like to learn more about how to calculate bone density, click here.
Scheduling
DEXA is offered at AMI Main Campus and AMI Cottonwood Clinic | Call 406.414.5201 to schedule an appointment.
Scheduling
DEXA is offered at:
AMI Main Campus
AMI Cottonwood Clinic
Call 406.414.5201 to schedule an appointment.
What can I expect?
DEXA scans use very low dose radiation to capture an image – a dose equivalent to less than 1 day of natural background radiation present in air, soil, and building materials. Bone density measurement is simple and painless. You can even remain dressed. You will be asked not to take a calcium supplement the day of your exam.
RESULTS
Our radiologists will review the image the same day it is performed. The results will be sent to your referring healthcare provider and are available to you via the Bozeman Health “MyChart” portal. If you don’t have a MyChart account and would like one click here.
If you’d like to learn more about how to calculate bone density, click here.
Scheduling
DEXA is offered at AMI Main Campus and AMI Cottonwood Clinic | Call 406.414.5201 to schedule an appointment.
DEXA is offered at:
AMI Main Campus
AMI Cottonwood Clinic
Call 406.414.5201 to schedule an appointment.
What to expect: during
Our technician will take you to our private DEXA room to scan your hip, spine, and in some cases, your forearm as you lie on a comfortable table. Your legs or foot may be gently supported in order to straighten the pelvis, spine, or hips for the clearest imaging. These positions are gentle and comfortable, and we always work with your individual mobility and comfort level.
- The DEXA detector itself is a sleek robotic arm that moves above you at a comfortable distance.
- It is important to remain still, and you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds.
- The scan itself is short, lasting just a few minutes.
What to expect: after
DEXA scans are quick and painless, and you should be able to resume your usual daily activities immediately after the scan. Once the scan is complete, the results are reviewed and interpreted by our radiologist. The results of your DEXA scan will help your healthcare provider monitor your bone health and, if needed, create a personalized plan of action for your care.
- Depending on the results of your DEXA scan, your healthcare provider may recommend medications or supplements.
- They can also help you make decisions about exercise, diet, or other lifestyle changes to help lower your risk for fractures and keep your bones strong.
Free and low-cost screenings
Mammograms save lives. We want to ensure these critical screenings are accessible and affordable to everyone, regardless of personal insurance coverage or income. The Bozeman Health Mammogram Project and Montana Cancer Screening Program help cover the cost of annual screenings for women who are uninsured or underinsured. Please visit their websites to learn more and apply.
Who Should Get Screened?
AMI follows the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force screening recommendations* for current or former smokers who are between the age of 50 to 80 years old, most Medicare plans cover ages 50-77, with a smoking history of at least 20 “pack years” and currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years.
Lung cancer screening is a commitment—it is not a single scan but rather a monitoring program to catch any signs of lung cancer early, at its most treatable stage. Some people will have abnormal findings on their CT scans and others will need a once-a-year CT checkup. We are here to partner with you for whatever your personal needs may be.
FAQs
Our goal is to provide the best care and support — and the answers you need to make decisions with confidence.
The DEXA machine creates a thin, invisible beam of energy with two distinct peaks, one of which is absorbed by bones and the other by soft tissue. The difference between the two peaks is measured to determine bone mineral density (BMD), with “normal” density measuring 1. This helps diagnose and monitor osteopenia and osteoporosis, two medical diagnoses for bones that have weakened over time.
Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of X-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DEXA is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).
A condition in which there is a lower-than-normal bone mass or bone mineral density (the amount of bone mineral contained in a certain amount of bone). Osteopenia is a less severe form of bone loss than osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the structure and strength of bone changes. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength that can increase the risk of fractures (broken bones).
Your healthcare provider may recommend a DEXA scan to test for osteoporosis or thinning of your bones. Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for women who are 65 years old or older and for women who are 50 to 64 and have certain risk factors, such as having a parent who has broken a hip.
Still have questions?
Contact us anytime. We would be happy to discuss any questions you might have.
406.414.5200
Still have questions?
Contact us anytime. We would be happy to discuss any questions you might have.
406.414.5200
