Whether you’ve received a referral for a DEXA scan or are exploring your options on your own, we’re here to help you understand what comes next. This page covers everything you need to know about DEXA scans— from how to prepare beforehand, to what to expect during the exam, and how to proceed afterward.
What is a DEXA?
DEXA, also known as bone density or body composition scan, uses a very small amount of x-rays to measure density of bones and/or body composition.
For bone density, these measurements are compared to normal values for patients of similar sex and age. This helps detect signs of osteoporosis - a condition in which bones become weaker.
DEXA scans can also help track how well osteoporosis treatments are working.
Before Your Appointment
SCHEDULING YOUR EXAM
There are several easy ways to schedule your exam, choose the option that works best for you.
1. Schedule Online
If you're a Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) patient and an imaging exam has been ordered for you, you will receive a link to schedule online.
2. Request Online
Not a WCM patient? Request an appointment to schedule by securely uploading your prescription.
3. Call Us Directly
Call 212-746-6000.
Mon-Fri: 8AM to 7PM ET
Sat-Sun: 9AM to 5PM ET
Our Locations that Offer DEXA scans
- Weill Greenberg Center (Upper East Side)
- Upper West Side
- Lower Manhattan
Complete Your Forms Easily
Log in to Weill Cornell Connect to complete your safety forms ahead of time using eCheck-In. It’s quick and helps save you time on the day of your appointment.
Don’t have an account? Join today!
Preparing for Your Exam
When scheduling and checking in for your appointment, please let our staff know if any of the following apply:
- You may be pregnant or are currently breastfeeding.
- You need an interpreter in your language.
- CT scan with contrast
- Barium study
- MRI Enterography
- PET scan
FAQ
During Your Appointment
How is DEXA Performed?
- You will lie still on the DEXA table.
- A very low-dose x-ray machine will be used to take images of specific regions of your body.
- The machine uses different x-ray energy levels to measure how much of the x-ray passes through your bones, muscles, and fat.
After the Scan is Completed
The technologist will escort you to your locker to collect your belongings. Our staff will assist you with check-out.
After Your Appointment
Aftercare
- You may resume all regular activity unless otherwise directed by your physician.
Imaging Review
Once the technologist has taken your images, a radiologist will review the images and write a detailed report. Our radiologists specialize in imaging for specific areas of the body, ensuring you receive the highest-quality, expert interpretation every time.
Our specialties include:
- Abdominal
- Breast
- Cardiothoracic (Heart and Chest)
- Molecular
- Musculoskeletal
- Neuroradiology (Brain, Head, Neck and Spine)
- Pediatrics
Receiving Your Results
Your report will be automatically share with you and your referring provider within 24-48 hours. You can view your images and reports through Connect. Use this guide to get started.
Sharing Your Results
All imaging exams performed at Weill Cornell Imaging will be available to you in Connect. If you'd like to keep other members of your care team informed, you can easily share your results with any additional providers.
For other medical records requests, visit our Medical Records page.
Understanding Your Results
Please contact your referring provider to discuss your results. They will help explain your imaging report and answer any questions you may have.
If you or your provider have additional questions, our Reading Room Coordinators (RRC) will help connect you with a radiologist.
For more information or to contact a RRC, visit this link.