Q: Which doctor should I see if my DEXA scan comes abnormal?
A: You should visit an Orthopedic specialist or an Endocrinologist in case your DEXA scan is abnormal.
Q: Can I get the DEXA scan done more frequently?
A: There are no specific recommendations regarding how often the DEXA scan should be done. However, if your test is negative, it will take a minimum of 2 years for the scan to detect any changes in your bone. Thus a more frequent DEXA scan would not be of much use.
Q: Should men also undergo screening for osteoporosis?
A: Most guidelines do not currently recommend osteoporosis screening for men. However, men especially from the older age group should be repeatedly assessed for risk factors for developing osteoporosis. They should undergo screening if they are found to be at a risk for osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures and if they could possibly benefit from treatment.
Q: What are the possible harms of screening for osteoporosis?
A: The DEXA scan may not always give a 100% accurate result. If it suggests that the individual has osteoporosis when it is actually absent (false positive result), the individual may have to undergo unnecessary treatment. It could also cause anxiety to the individual. At the same time, a wrong negative result (false negative result) could deprive the individual of treatment.
