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

@gently No, not at all locked into any doctor; for anything at any time! and will start once again trying to find a doc/group/center who will do complete testing. Independent centers that I could find here (i.e. Dexafit) say what they do is not to be considered medical. The other ones that I came up with all need physician's referral, which I have but it is only for the one I have been to in the past, where I can't get a straight answer on price. I have looked into Jason Health; but since I am not on an anabolic - only bisphosphonates so far - not sure if P1NP is necessary (doc doesn't do it). I do get CTX, and of course CMP.

@gently Since you mentioned the correct cost of ordering CTX and P1NP at Jason Health online, I wonder if you can tell me what term you used to order a P1NP test. I tried entering P1NP and the full name (Procollagen Type I Intact N Terminal Propeptide) but could not find that test online. I had to contact Jason directly and they entered it for me in the Shopping Cart. But still curious as to why I couldn't locate it. No problem finding the CTX.

prarysky, you can copy and paste from a previous order here is the line V=qt16609 Procollagen Type I Intact N Terminal Propeptide. I'm not sure why it isn't in the listing.
Thanks for asking. I should have included that information in the original post.

@jozer, are you receiving osteoporosis care from your primary. Sometimes I get scrip from the primary who doesn't know about the endocrinologist. If you have coverage for a extra doctor, you might ask a new one for a dexa requisition without involving them in your previous dexa. No on will care when you are self-pay for the dexa. The radiology centers should give you a direct answer on cost. Talk to the billing department.

@gently Thanks again! It's weird that you need to know the code to find the P1NP so thanks for sending it!

prarysky, it's a little weirder than that. You can't order by just the code, you need the descriptor. I think it is just a little cataloging error.

@gently I get osteoporosis care from an endocrinologist. I plan on asking my gyne (appointment early November) if she can get me a DEXA (her hospital group does it with TBS; which I would like to see, my current endo's group does not have TBS capability). I will talk to the billing department; don't know why I didn't think of that! Just wanted to know where I stood after 1 year of Reclast, before my second infusion. Had the second infusion last week without DEXA but would sure like to know if the drug is working beyond what the CTX is (which according to my endo shows Reclast is working I guess but is obviously not a bone density test).

jozer, well done. Hospitals are able to charge more for dexas, but will often yield a lower price for cash pay patients. Your gynecologist might write the requisition either with a statement of need or my leave it send it to an outside facility if the hospitals discount isn't as generous as you might wish. Sometimes I get copies of requistions so that I can take them where I want to or if I'm in a hurry for the results.
CTX, if you take it in the morning, on an empty stomach, without heavy exercise before and with no biotin or collagen for several days before is quite reliable. I always want the testing. The usual gain after a year of Reclast is usually a modest 3 to 5%.
If your GYN labels the requisition preventive, your insurance may cover.
This is from CA. https://www.bonehealthsacramento.com/dexa-scan-cost/ Your state may have a similar advisory

@boneoptimist
I have had DEXA scans more often than Medicare allows. I paid for them myself and the tests were less than $200 each. I asked the clinic for a cost estimate beforehand to make sure it wasn't going to be terribly expensive. Remember to emphasize over and over that it is "self pay." Hope the scan is affordable for you in PA.

@dbb Good advice, dbb.
I called Medicare and was informed...yes, Medicare will pay for a DEXA scan before your 2 year mark IF your physician orders it/documents her/his reason "why" i.e. their rational for ordering it ahead of schedule.
For less than $200 I would also do self pay.
I am going to run this by my PCP first - see what she thinks. Then my oncologist.
If both are a "no, it's too early" I will look into self pay/billing department at my medical facility.
Best wishes to all.