What clinics publish, by state
The table records selected providers’ published booking positions. It is not a statement of one referral rule for every clinic in a state. Body composition and diagnostic bone density can have different requirements, even at the same location.
When a source does not state a policy, we say so. Check directly before paying or attending, and send referral documents to the clinic rather than this website.
| State | Clinic | Published position | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | STRIVE Performance Dietetics | The checked service page does not state a referral policy. Confirm with STRIVE before booking. | Clinic statement | |
| New South Wales | Arekai Imaging North Sydney | Arekai asks for a body composition referral with the clinical indication, question and confirmation of ongoing clinical management. Its bone density service accepts a standard diagnostic referral with a clinical indication. | Clinic statement | |
| Victoria | Body DEXA Fit | Body DEXA Fit accepts your GP or allied health referral when it meets its criteria. It also lists an in-house medical referral for $40. Confirm the referral and total appointment cost before booking. | Clinic statement | |
| Queensland | Physique Science | The provider requires a GP referral for bone density. Confirm requirements for body composition. | Clinic statement | |
| Western Australia | Perth DEXA Scan Perth CBD | Perth DEXA Scan asks for a referral for all scans. It offers an in-house referral assessment, but says this is unavailable on Saturdays. Arrange the referral before a weekend visit. | Clinic statement | |
| South Australia | Adelaide BodyScan | Adelaide BodyScan asks for a GP referral for bone density. Its checked pricing page does not state a body composition referral policy; confirm this with the clinic. | Clinic statement | |
| South Australia | Osteoscan St Agnes | The provider asks patients to obtain a doctor’s referral before arranging a scan. | Clinic statement | |
| Tasmania | Tasmania Imaging | The checked patient information page does not state a body composition referral policy. Ask the clinic before booking. | Clinic statement | |
| Australian Capital Territory | Canberra Hospital BMD service | A GP or specialist referral is required. Check access and any out-of-pocket fee with the service. | Clinic statement | |
| Northern Territory | Alice Springs Hospital Medical Imaging | Hospital access is restricted to its care pathways. Ask the department or your treating team; do not assume a general GP referral provides access. | Clinic statement |
For a diagnostic bone density scan
Healthdirect advises that your doctor or specialist refers you for a bone density test. The doctor assesses whether the examination is appropriate, and the imaging provider needs to know which assessment has been requested.
A referral is not a promise of Medicare coverage. Eligibility and repeat-test requirements depend on the applicable item and your circumstances. Confirm the expected fee and rebate with the provider.
Healthdirect: bone density scans in Australia
Medicare Benefits Schedule: bone densitometry item 12320 and explanatory notes
For a body composition scan
Do not assume that every Australian clinic accepts bookings without a referral. Ask the clinic about its current requirements before paying or attending.
For example, Body DEXA Fit publishes referral requirements for its Victorian body composition services. That provider policy should not be treated as a rule for every clinic in Australia.
What to ask the clinic
Describe why you want the scan rather than asking only for ‘a DEXA’. Body composition and diagnostic bone density appointments can use the same technology for different purposes.
- Do I need a referral for this exact examination?
- Who can provide it, and what information must it contain?
- If you arrange a referral, is there an assessment or additional fee?
- Will my report go to my referring doctor, and who explains the findings?
- Is this examination eligible for a rebate in my circumstances?
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.
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