
Get A Head Start On Breast Cancer Screening With A Bone Density Scan In Alamogordo
Do you know your bone density? If not, that’s okay—most people don’t until they get older and start noticing strange aches and pains that seem to come out of nowhere. Bone density tests can help you track your bone health and identify any problems you might have with it, preventing serious issues down the road, such as osteoporosis or broken bones.
What Is The Purpose Of A Bone Density Scan?
If you are over 30 years old, chances are that your doctor has suggested you consider getting a bone density scan as part of your routine screening for breast cancer. You may have questions about how it is done, what to expect and why it is necessary. So we’ve created an FAQ below. If you don’t see your question answered here or would like more information . There’s never been a better time to be proactive about your health.
Who Should Have a Bone Density Scan?
If you’re over 55, think about getting a bone density scan, especially if you are a woman who has gone through menopause. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends women in that age group get a bone density test every two years to check for osteoporosis. There is no recommended screening for men. However, being aware of your risk can help motivate lifestyle changes and any necessary medication or treatment.
How Does The Process Work?
The first step is to schedule an appointment for a bone density scan. Which can be done at any of our convenient locations. This test will measure your bone density, indicating if you have high risk factors for osteoporosis and breast cancer. If there are no signs of disease or risk factors, your next screening should take place in 3 years. If you’re found to have high risk factors for osteoporosis and breast cancer. We’ll perform a follow-up bone density scan at another point in time—this allows us to monitor your progress over time. Follow-up testing is vital to ensuring that you receive treatment if necessary; it also shows how proactive you’ve been with preventive healthcare.
How Safe Are They?
Mammograms can sometimes lead to false positives, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t helpful. In fact, a false positive mammogram is often just as good as a true one because it starts an important discussion between you and your doctor about breast cancer screening—starting even earlier than normal if need be. During your first year of starting annual breast cancer screenings (age 40 for most women). You may also want to consider having a bone density scan at some point during that period to look for any issues with bone health in addition to looking for signs of breast cancer. At our imaging center in Alamogordo, we are happy to offer both these tests and more so you can feel confident about your ability to detect and address any issues before they become problems!
How Much Do They Cost?
Bone density scans can be an effective tool in identifying high risk individuals for breast cancer screening. Bone density scans cost anywhere from $300 – $500 per scan depending on where you are having your scan performed. Most health insurance companies cover bone density scans. So be sure to check with your insurance company before scheduling your appointment. Be sure to schedule your appointment with one of our providers at Imaging Center located in Alamogordo, NM 88310 today! We’ll get you scheduled for a quick and affordable bone density scan so that you can enjoy peace of mind about any potential risks associated with breast cancer for years to come.
When Should I Schedule My Next One?
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends women over age 35 have a bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, every two years. This test screens for osteoporosis and helps to determine whether your risk is high enough to warrant further treatment. If you’re in your 20s or 30s and have been treat for anorexia or bulimia, you should also be screen for bone loss on a regular basis. Even if you don’t have any symptoms right now, it’s smart to stay proactive about protecting your bones. After all, research shows that up to one-third of women with low bone density are unaware they are at increased risk of fractures!
What Can I Expect During My Visit?
At our center in Alamogordo, New Mexico, we know your time is valuable. That’s why we strive to keep wait times as short as possible. To help speed up your experience, be sure to bring. Your insurance card with you for any screenings that are not cover by Medicare or other insurance plans.
Alamogordo imaging center
The Alamogordo Imaging Center offers a full range of diagnostic imaging services, including bone density scan and mammography. Our team of experts offer you advanced care in a compassionate and non-threatening environment with comprehensive diagnosis. Technology, and our latest advances in computer aided detection (CAD). Whether you are visiting our center for a bone density scan or mammogram, let us be your first choice for quality care. Contact us at (575) 437-9800 to schedule an appointment today! We serve patients from all over New Mexico including Tularosa, Ruidoso, Carrizozo, Las Cruces and El Paso. If you’re traveling to Alamogordo from out of town we can help facilitate hotel accommodations to make your stay more convenient.
What is the difference between a bone scan and a CT scan?
Bone scans and CT scans are two different ways of assessing a patient’s risk for developing cancer. Both methods provide information about breast density and calcium content, which are strong indicators of breast cancer risk. The type of scan used can depend on a patient’s medical history. As well as their level of comfort with undergoing certain types of tests. For example, people who have had radiation therapy to their chest area in previous years will not be able to undergo a CT scan. Similarly, patients that have had spinal surgery or have an implant near their spine should consult with their doctors before getting a bone density scan done. According to Dr.