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February 22, 2025

How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost? A Breakdown of Pricing & Value

How much does a DEXA scan cost? Prices range from $100 to $250, depending on location and type. Learn about cost factors, insurance coverage, and why a DEXA scan at KALOS in San Francisco is worth it.

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How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost? A Breakdown of Pricing & Value

A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is the gold standard for measuring body composition and bone density, but how much does it cost? The price varies based on location, type of scan, and whether it’s done at a medical or private facility.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of DEXA scan pricing, factors that influence cost, and why investing in a DEXA scan at KALOS in San Francisco is worth it.

How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost?

📌 Typical DEXA Scan Prices:

Type of DEXA Scan Estimated Cost
Body Composition DEXA Scan $50 – $250
Bone Density DEXA Scan $100 – $300
Full-Body DEXA Scan $150 – $350
  • Average Cost Nationwide: $100 – $250 per scan
  • Cost in Major Cities (San Francisco, NYC, LA): $150 – $300 per scan

📌 Important: KALOS provides affordable and accurate DEXA scans in San Francisco, ensuring high-quality results without unnecessary medical costs.

Factors That Affect DEXA Scan Pricing

Several factors influence the cost of a DEXA scan, including:

1️⃣ Type of Scan (Bone Density vs. Body Composition)

  • Bone Density Scan: Often used for osteoporosis screening—may be more expensive when done in hospitals.
  • Body Composition Scan: Used for fat loss, muscle tracking, and visceral fat measurement—offered in fitness and wellness centers at lower rates.

👉 Example: A bone density DEXA scan in a hospital might cost $250+, while a body composition scan at a private facility might be $100-$150.

2️⃣ Where You Get the Scan (Medical vs. Private Facility)

  • Hospitals & Medical Clinics – More expensive ($200-$300) due to insurance & administrative fees.
  • Private Wellness & Fitness Centers – More affordable ($100-$150) with fast, direct booking options.

👉 Example: A hospital DEXA scan may require a doctor’s referral, while a DEXA scan at KALOS is more affordable and accessible with no referral needed.

3️⃣ Insurance Coverage (Does Insurance Cover DEXA Scans?)

🚨 Most full-body composition DEXA scans are NOT covered by insurance because they are considered preventative or wellness-based services.

✔️ Bone density DEXA scans MAY be covered by insurance if ordered for medical reasons, such as:

  • Osteoporosis screening for women over 65 or men over 70.
  • Fracture history, chronic steroid use, or other risk factors.

📌 However, KALOS does not process insurance—our scans are offered as an affordable, self-pay service with upfront pricing.

👉 Example: If your insurance doesn’t cover a DEXA scan, booking directly at KALOS in San Francisco saves time, hassle, and unnecessary costs.

4️⃣ Single Scan vs. Multi-Scan Packages

  • One-time scans typically cost $100-$250 per session.
  • Packages with multiple scans (e.g., for tracking fat loss & muscle growth over time) often reduce per-scan cost.

📌 Best Value: If you're serious about body composition tracking, purchasing a DEXA scan package can save you $50-$100 over multiple sessions.

👉 Example: If you plan to track progress every 1-2 months, a multi-scan package at KALOS can lower your cost per scan significantly.

Why a DEXA Scan Is Worth the Cost

While DEXA scans are an investment, they provide unmatched accuracy and long-term value compared to other methods.

📌 DEXA vs. Other Body Composition Tests

Method Accuracy Cost Best For
DEXA Scan ✅ Most accurate (±1%) 💰 $100-$250 Bone health, fat loss, muscle growth tracking
Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA) (e.g., InBody, Tanita Scales) ❌ Less accurate (±5-8%) 💲 $30-$100 Basic weight loss tracking
Calipers (Skinfold Test) ❌ Inconsistent (±10%) 💲 $20-$50 Basic fat tracking, not precise
Bod Pod (Air Displacement Plethysmography) ✅ Accurate (±2-3%) 💰 $75-$150 Athletes, fitness enthusiasts
Hydrostatic Weighing (Underwater Weighing) ✅ Highly accurate (±2%) 💰 $100-$200 Serious athletes

📌 Why DEXA Is the Best Choice:

  • Most precise fat & muscle measurement method (better than InBody or Bod Pod).
  • Tracks visceral fat (hidden fat around organs) for health optimization.
  • Detects early bone loss (osteopenia & osteoporosis).
  • Helps customize fitness, nutrition, & training plans.

🚀 If you're serious about your health, fitness, or longevity, a DEXA scan is one of the best investments you can make.

The Bottom Line: How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a DEXA Scan?

  • Typical cost: $100-$250 per scan, depending on location and facility type.
  • Private wellness centers (like KALOS) offer the best value, with pricing around $150-$200 in major cities.
  • Insurance does NOT cover body composition scans—but medical bone density scans may be covered in certain cases.
  • DEXA is more accurate than other body composition methods, making it a worthwhile investment for fat loss, muscle gain, and bone health tracking.

🚀 For the most accurate body composition and bone density tracking, a DEXA scan is the best way to get real, data-driven insights.

Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today

Looking for an affordable, accurate, and hassle-free DEXA scan in San Francisco? KALOS offers top-tier DEXA scanning services to help you track fat loss, muscle growth, and bone density with precision.

📍 Schedule your DEXA scan today at KALOS—because real data leads to better results.

Schedule your DEXA scan today!

Bay Area residents trust KALOS to deliver results. We proudly serve the entire  Bay Area including the following locations: