Did you have a DEXA scan before the 2 year mark covered by Medicare?

@chiefsmom I’ve had two Reclast infusions. One was in 2024 and the second in 2025. I’m due for another DEXA scan.

Treatment and monitoring all over the board. Medicare will pay for a DEXA every year if to monitor pharma treatment; however, my doctor's group will ONLY order every 2 years. It was indicated to me that although Medicare will pay, perhaps reimbursement not enough to keep the medical group happy? Bone markers (CTX only for me) once a year (no baseline, first one done after roughly a year on Fosamax; which I asked for after reading about bone markers). That's it. Had my second Reclast infusion last week and other than my CTX score (which has always been quite low) I have no idea what my bone density is and won't until Spring/summer 2027. I got a referral to self-pay for DEXA but could not get a dollar amount out of the scan center; ranged from $400 to $1200 depending on "discounts" which they could share once I arrived for the appointment. And the do not email or send any other information stating exact cost. I understand DEXA not always necessary since bone changes slowly; but would sure like better monitoring.

@njx58 Thanks for the nudge 🙂 I'm going to continue the Forteo regardless so it just depends how much else is "on my plate" for whether to add another test in. It's still an option as I'm only 6 months in.

@luckypup I think it's good to get bone markers at least every six months while on the meds (to show that you're getting a response), and an annual DEXA. I'm someone who wants more information sooner ! I get impatient. 🙂

When I first started Tymlos, the doctor checked P1NP and CTX at three months just to make sure that Tymlos was working.

@gently do you have only traditional Medicare? Are you taking any treatment medications for osteoporosis?

@chiefsmom yes

@jozer are you locked into this doctor? You might look around I hearing dexas from independent imaging centers are $100 to $200. You might ask your reluctant prescriber for script that you could take elsewhere. You can get both CTX and P1NP for $148 at https://www.jasonhealth.com/

@jozer ask for the billing manager at the center. They should know what the heck is going on as far as billing. If not, look for a different imaging center. The first time I did my self-pay Dexa, I called the scheduling people and they tried to send me to do it at the hospital, and I innocently asked how much that would cost me since I was going to self pay. Transferred me back and forth and 45 minutes later I was told the $960 amount. My Dr had mentioned that the outpatient freestanding centers of that same hospital around town might be a "bit" cheaper, so I asked the scheduler lady I was talking to and she was able to put me on hold and check with them. When she came back on the line, she was freaking out at the fact that it would only be $68. She didn't even know that it could be that cheap.

American medical system billing= as clear as pea soup!

Yes. I get mine yearly. I believe if you have an osteoporosis diagnosis you can.

rjd, I have original Medicare and a secondary, First Health.
I have good health, so every years, so far, I've paid more in premiums for
the secondary than I would have paid for services without it. But I guess
that's the bargain with insurance for anything.
I'm on extended Forteo. I don't have insurance for medicine. I travel for
the pens,
Our part d for medications enacts into US law that our seniors pay the most
for medication of anyone in the world. In order to get the plan through
congress that was the compromise written by the pharmaceutical industry.
The Inflation Reduction Act engineered the reduction of that cost with
the cap of $2,100. Thanks to Biden.
In 2002 when part D became available, pharmacists would warn me that my
parent's prescriptions would cost less than a fourth the price, if I didn't
present Medicare part D.
Be careful how you vote.