DEXA Scan: HSA Eligibility

DEXA Scan: eligible with a Health Savings Account (HSA)

DEXA Scans are eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA). They are not eligible for reimbursement with dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA).

What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA scan, or dual X-ray absorptiometry, is a test that measures bone density. A DEXA scan usually focuses on the spine or hips, and helps determine if a patient has high or low bone density. It can also help detect if cancer has spread to the bones (RadiologyInfo.org).

What happens during a DEXA scan?

During a DEXA scan, the patient will lay down on an open X-ray table where two X-rays will pass through the body. One is a high energy beam and one is a low energy beam. Depending on the thickness of the bone, the beams will pass through in different amounts. Medical professionals can then determine a patient’s bone density from a T-score given (WebMD).

What is a T-score?

A T-score tells you how much higher or lower your bone density is compared to the bone density of a 30 year old, or the age when bones are the strongest. If your T-score is -1.0 or above, you are at normal bone density. If your T-score is between -1.0 or -2.5, then you have low bone density, or osteopenia. If your T-score is -2.5 or lower, then you have osteoporosis.

If your T-score is not at normal bone density, you may require treatment to help bone strength and to prevent or treat any issues down the line.

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