A private DEXA scan can help you get answers faster, so you and your doctor can make decisions sooner. Find the right centre that fits your needs below, serving Canadians in major cities like Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Toronto, Ontario; and Montréal, Québec.
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Informational purposes only, not medical or legal advice. Please consult your doctor or surgeon.
A DEXA scan (dual‑energy X‑ray absorptiometry) is a bone density test that uses a very low dose of X‑rays to measure how strong your bones are—most commonly at the hip and spine. The result helps estimate your risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
DEXA can also provide detailed body composition analysis, breaking down:
A private DEXA scan means you book the test at an accredited, fee‑for‑service imaging clinic instead of waiting for a publicly funded appointment. The scan itself is the same type of test—the main difference is timing, scheduling, and convenience.
Canadians might consider a private DEXA scan when public access is delayed and they want clarity on bone density and fracture risk—especially after a fracture, during menopause, or before starting (or reassessing) osteoporosis medication. Long delays can mean missed opportunities to prevent fractures, avoid height loss, reduce chronic pain, and protect long‑term mobility and independence.
Recently, there's also been growing interest in DEXA for body composition analysis—precise measurement of lean muscle mass, body fat percentage, and fat distribution. Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, people managing weight loss or muscle gain, and those tracking metabolic health are increasingly seeking DEXA scans for this purpose.
Private DEXA scans offer faster access to accredited imaging clinics with clear timelines—often within days. For many people, going private is about getting an objective baseline sooner, making treatment decisions earlier, and tracking progress over time, while putting less strain on the public healthcare system.
Surgency is your guide—not a clinic—connecting you with out‑of‑province options through accredited, licensed imaging centres. We help you compare options, costs, clinic qualifications, and provide the resources you need to make confident, informed decisions.
T‑score
Compares your bone density to a healthy young adult reference.
Z‑score
Compares your bone density to people your age/sex. This can be useful if you're younger or if there's concern about secondary causes of bone loss.
Fracture risk context (often combined with FRAX)
Many clinicians combine DEXA results with a fracture‑risk tool (like FRAX) plus factors such as:
Private DEXA pricing in Canada varies mainly by what you’re scanning (bone density vs. body composition), the clinic, and province. Typical ranges:
Choosing the right DEXA provider matters because small differences in technique, calibration, and reporting can change results—and DEXA is often used to track change over time.
A DEXA scan is “right” for you if it will change what you do next—either by confirming osteoporosis risk and guiding treatment, or by giving a precise baseline for body composition tracking. Consult your medical provider for guidance.
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You do need a referral for private DEXA scan for medical bone density in Canada. However, you can usually contact the centre directly, and they will assist with setting up the referral for you.
Body composition DEXA scans do not require a referral.
A physician or radiologist trained in bone densitometry reviews your scan and writes a report that typically includes:
Turnaround time: Private clinics often provide reports within 24–72 hours (some offer same‑day).
The report usually goes to:
The DEXA result is important, but it's usually combined with other factors to estimate your 10‑year fracture risk, often using a tool like FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool), which considers:
Your doctor connects your T‑score + clinical risk factors to decide on next steps.
Common next steps based on results:
This is a big reason people go private: once you have a clear DEXA result, you and your doctor can:
DEXA scans are considered safe. The main “risks” are usually about radiation exposure, interpretation limits, and (less commonly) not using the right test for the right question.
DEXA has minimal risks: extremely low radiation, no needles, no contrast. The main risk is not getting one when you need it—undiagnosed osteoporosis can lead to fractures, disability, and loss of independence. If you're at risk, the benefit far outweighs the minimal risks.
Consult your medical provider for more guidance.
DEXA scans require minimal preparation—much simpler than most imaging tests.
DEXA prep is simple: wear clothes without metal, skip calcium supplements for 24 hours, and bring prior reports if you have them. No fasting, no needles, no special diet.
If you still have questions, then feel free to contact us directly.
