Check which scan and score you received
A diagnostic hip or spine examination and a whole-body composition scan answer different questions. Start with the examination name and the report conclusion. If a composition report contains a bone value, ask whether a separate diagnostic assessment is indicated.
The T-score table below needs the correct age, menopause and scan-site context. In younger adults, Z-scores are often the appropriate reporting comparison. A number copied from the wrong region or reference group can create a misleading conclusion.
| T-score | Term |
|---|---|
| -1.0 or above | Normal |
| Below -1.0 and above -2.5 | Low bone mass (osteopenia) |
| -2.5 or below | Osteoporosis threshold |
| -2.5 or below plus fragility fracture | Severe osteoporosis (traditional WHO description) |
ISCD Adult Official Positions ↗
What the GP conversation adds
Bone density is one part of fracture assessment. Bring relevant information about previous fractures, falls, medicines, health conditions and family history. Healthy Bones Australia’s clinical guidance addresses fracture prevention in the broader clinical context.
Ask the doctor to explain which part of the report affects your next step. You can ask whether a formal fracture-risk assessment would be useful and whether any further investigation is needed. A website cannot choose a treatment from a score alone.
Healthy Bones Australia: clinical guidelines and statements ↗
Questions worth writing down
- Which site and score led to the report conclusion?
- How does this fit with my fracture history and other risk factors?
- Is any further assessment needed?
- What activity or nutrition advice is suitable for me?
- Is follow-up imaging useful, and what change would affect the plan?
- Who should I contact if I have questions after this appointment?
Follow-up is a plan, not an automatic annual booking
Keep the original scan and ask who will arrange follow-up. A future comparison needs appropriate timing and knowledge of the facility’s measurement variation. The aim is to answer a clinical question, not simply collect a new score.
The Medicare interval for an item is not a personal rescan recommendation. Your doctor and clinic can check the relevant item conditions and whether the proposed examination is covered.
Keep the advice specific to you
Do not start or stop prescribed treatment because of an online classification table. Take questions about treatment, supplements or exercise restrictions to the practitioner responsible for your care.
We check the reporting terminology against ISCD and link to current Australian guidance. The source-check date is shown separately from clinical approval. This new guide has not been reviewed by Kristof Szanto.
Healthy Bones Australia: clinical guidelines and statements ↗
Common questions
Does osteopenia mean osteoporosis?
They are different bone density classifications in the relevant diagnostic setting. Neither term replaces an assessment of fracture history and other risk factors.
Can a whole-body composition scan diagnose osteopenia?
Do not substitute a composition result for an appropriately interpreted diagnostic bone density examination. Ask your GP about the scan sites and report conclusion.
When should I repeat the scan?
Your doctor should agree on timing and the question the repeat scan would answer. Medicare frequency limits are not a universal clinical schedule.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Find the right appointment.
For diagnostic bone density, start with your referring doctor. For body composition, compare what is included and who will explain the report.
Browse prices in all six cities ↗
Search the national scan directory ↗
Only your city choice is remembered in this browser. No location permission or email address is needed.