Has anyone had a rems bone scan or tbs bone scan?

Posted by jimr33 @jimr33, Nov 11, 2024

I have poor dexa bone scan results, but have heard that rems scans and tbs (trabecular) bone scores can give you a better overall bone health picture. But both, especially rems are pretty new and I wonder if anyone has been able to have one and if their insurance accepts?

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@rcl50

Do you happen to be in the Twin Cities of MN? I'm interested in knowing where you got a REMS for $150 as Osteostrong is around $250 I believe. Thanks.

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I had a REMS scan at Osteostrong in Eagan MN last year and the cost was $157 plus tax.

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I had a DEXA scan 2021 with the overall score of -2.1. In 2024, I had another DEXA scan but this time with the added TBS score. It was the same machine but with the added ability to read the TBS score. The overall score came in as -2.8 with the TBS score included and without the TBS score came in at -2.2. However in 2024, I fractured a vertebra which skews the results because of the compressed bone. But at least it gives me an idea of where I'm at bone-wise.

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I just had a REMS in Scottsdale AZ. The radiology practice billed Medicare and the secondary insurance. Insurances covered the cost.

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@mtran88788

I just had a REMS in Scottsdale AZ. The radiology practice billed Medicare and the secondary insurance. Insurances covered the cost.

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@mtran88788, Do you know how they billed that? I've been paying $275 for my REMS tests. None of my endos know how to bill it.

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@drsuefowler

@mtran88788, Do you know how they billed that? I've been paying $275 for my REMS tests. None of my endos know how to bill it.

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I was wondering about this as well, and found this on the Echolight site. The site also has a reimbursement guide with sample letters.

"The CPT code assigned is 0815T: Ultrasound-based Radiofrequency Ultrasound Multispectometry (REMS), bone-density study and fracture-risk assessment, 1 or more sites, hips, pelvis, or spine”

But, I don't believe there is a Medicare code for it at present.

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@drsuefowler

@mtran88788, Do you know how they billed that? I've been paying $275 for my REMS tests. None of my endos know how to bill it.

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I paid upfront $250. I just got a text that they are sending me a refund check. I looked up my Medicare claims. There are 3 CPT codes
99205. Medicare approved $216.44
G2212. Medicare approved $31.79
0815T. No payment.
This is creative billing. The radiologist got paid for the visit but not the procedure.

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I have to clarify that the radiologist was in the room the whole time while the technician did the procedure.

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If your endocrinologist referred you to another facility for the REMS then this billing won’t work.

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@mtran88788

I paid upfront $250. I just got a text that they are sending me a refund check. I looked up my Medicare claims. There are 3 CPT codes
99205. Medicare approved $216.44
G2212. Medicare approved $31.79
0815T. No payment.
This is creative billing. The radiologist got paid for the visit but not the procedure.

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Thanks so much @mtran88788!

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My endoocrinologist discounted the osteolite rem scan. My numbers were indeed better and I refuse meds. I am choosing the bio identical hormone path which she also does not believe in. it is so discouraging because my last two endocrinologist will not think outside of the box. It’s all about pushing the meds which I have had side effects with in the past, and I do not want to live with that. The bioidentical hormones have kept my numbers steady, and my wrist is the only number that has Osteo. It’s so upsetting.

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