How frequently do you have a Dexa Scan?

TrmTab
TrmTab Member Posts: 832
edited June 2017 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

I had a scan before I started on Arimidex Feb 2016.

August is 1.5 years on and I have a Dr appt that month...should I ask for the Rx for a follow up scan? What is the frequency of follow up? 1 year, 1.5 years, 2 years?

I was the one who had to ask for the baseline scan, so unless I ask for the follow up, I don't think it will be offered. I was good in my original scan, but one of my SEs is bone pain, I can live with the pain, but worry about the effect on bone density, so don't want to go 5 years with no scan.

(I do take extra Calcium/D)

Thanks, TT

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Comments

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited June 2017

    Medicare pays for a scan every two years. If you go in at 20 months, it isn't covered unless the doc writes a diagnosis that allows for the early testing. But yes, with the correct coding it is possible to get a test paid for every year.

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  • wintersocks
    wintersocks Member Posts: 922
    edited June 2017

    I have a Dexa scan every 2 years but it's likely to go to 1 year as I am extending my Letrozole beyond 5 years. Also I have Coeliac disease which means I was already mal absorbing calcium before the dx of cancer, and so have Osteopenia. I may go on bisphosphonates too after I see my GP and had a chat about the bond density.

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited June 2017

    I have a Dexa-scan every two years because that's how my insurance covers these scans. My last scan showed that I have full-blown osteoporosis, so I am currently taking a biophosphonate (Fosamax) once a week.

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