My technician Rhonda and Dr. Venu are absolutely exceptional in their bedside manner. They were thoroughly invested in ensuring I was comfortable, informed, and well taken care of. I’ve had the same family doctor for 26 years and I felt just as comfortable with Dr. Venu and Rhonda today as I do with my own family physician.
Understanding A Bone Density Scan
A bone density test is quick, painless, and noninvasive. It measures how much calcium and minerals are in your bones, giving you an accurate estimation of how dense or thick your bones are.
It uses a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanner, which looks like a large, flat table with an “arm” suspended overhead.
Having more minerals in your bones means they are stronger, denser, and less likely to break. The lower your mineral count, the greater your chance of breaking a bone.
Benefits Of A BMD Scan
Quick, Painless, & Noninvasive
Recommended Age - 65 or older
Acurate Measurement For Bone Health
Who Needs A Bone Density Scan?
Anyone 65 or older should get a bone density scan. If you are taking steroids (such as Prednisone or Cortisone) for any condition, this test should be done at any age.
Other patients that may require a bone density scan include individuals who have broken bones, whose parents have broken a hip, females experiencing menopause, males with low testosterone, as well as anyone with low body weight, arthritis, or compression fractures in the spine.
Choosing CAMIS For Your BMD Exam
At CAMIS, we pride ourselves on providing the expert care you deserve and performing a quick and anxiety-free bone density exam. Bone density scans are noninvasive, they are comparable to a simple x-ray.
We understand that the turnaround of our patients’ results are of utmost importance, so we prioritize getting the results to your doctor within a week.
Confidently Detecting Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, which is a disease of the bones, causes bones to be weak and break easily. The doctor uses your results of the test to evaluate your risk of fractures.
Women and men aged 65 and older are at the highest risk for developing osteoporosis and should get a bone density scan. Those below 65 who have broken a bone during a minor accident, have arthritis, smoke, drink heavily, or have a low body weight should speak with a doctor about the potential risk of osteoporosis.
FAQs
A radiologist will read the exam and send it to the ordering doctor within 7 days. Your doctor may contact you, or you may need to follow up with them.
Yes, you will need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. This is a simple x-ray that takes about 10 minutes.
A radiologist will read the exam and send it to the ordering doctor within 7 days. Your doctor may contact you, or you may need to follow up with them.
Yes, you will need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. This is a simple x-ray that takes about 10 minutes.
A radiologist will read the exam and send it to the ordering doctor within 7 days. Your doctor may contact you, or you may need to follow up with them.
Yes, you will need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. This is a simple x-ray that takes about 10 minutes.
A radiologist will read the exam and send it to the ordering doctor within 7 days. Your doctor may contact you, or you may need to follow up with them.
Yes, you will need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. This is a simple x-ray that takes about 10 minutes.
A radiologist will read the exam and send it to the ordering doctor within 7 days. Your doctor may contact you, or you may need to follow up with them.
Yes, you will need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. This is a simple x-ray that takes about 10 minutes.
A radiologist will read the exam and send it to the ordering doctor within 7 days. Your doctor may contact you, or you may need to follow up with them.
Yes, you will need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. This is a simple x-ray that takes about 10 minutes.
A radiologist will read the exam and send it to the ordering doctor within 7 days. Your doctor may contact you, or you may need to follow up with them.
Yes, you will need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. This is a simple x-ray that takes about 10 minutes.
A radiologist will read the exam and send it to the ordering doctor within 7 days. Your doctor may contact you, or you may need to follow up with them.
Yes, you will need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. This is a simple x-ray that takes about 10 minutes.
A radiologist will read the exam and send it to the ordering doctor within 7 days. Your doctor may contact you, or you may need to follow up with them.
Yes, you will need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. This is a simple x-ray that takes about 10 minutes.
A radiologist will read the exam and send it to the ordering doctor within 7 days. Your doctor may contact you, or you may need to follow up with them.
Yes, you will need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. This is a simple x-ray that takes about 10 minutes.
A radiologist will read the exam and send it to the ordering doctor within 7 days. Your doctor may contact you, or you may need to follow up with them.
Yes, you will need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. This is a simple x-ray that takes about 10 minutes.
A radiologist will read the exam and send it to the ordering doctor within 7 days. Your doctor may contact you, or you may need to follow up with them.
Yes, you will need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
A bone scan is a nuclear medicine test and takes roughly 3 hours to complete. This is a simple x-ray that takes about 10 minutes.
Preparing For Your Appointment
PATIENT PREPARATION
- Do not take calcium or vitamin supplements the day of the exam.
- You cannot have had an x-ray procedure using barium or dye in the 7 days leading up to your exam.
- You cannot have a BMD if you are under 18 or are pregnant.
- Wear loose fitting clothing, with no metal (including underwire) or you may be asked to change into a gown.
- Fasting is not required.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM
- When you arrive, you will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire.
- Your height and weight will be taken.
- The technologist will explain the exam, and have you lie on your back on the table.
- You will be required to hold very still during the exam.
AFTER YOUR EXAM
- After a BMD you will be free to go.
- Your doctor can be contacted after 1 week, for the results.
BMD is covered by Alberta Health Care
Referrals are necessary for all bookings
Exam Duration: 15min
I was scheduled for an MRI and everything went smoothly and quickly! I was called in not even 5 minutes after my appointment time! The technician in the MRI room was really nice and friendly. Would not hesitate to book again and do the drive from Calgary.
Kathleen Boucher
I use CAMIS in Red Deer as a medical professional and as a patient. Yesterday I used it as a patient to have a pain management procedure with Dr. Mann. The fluoroscopy technicians were very friendly and professional and made the whole process quick and efficient. Dr. Mann was funny and took great pride in keeping everything sterile and as pain free as possible. Overall as a patient and medical professional I give CAMIS a big thumbs up.
Jolene
I cannot say enough good things about all the staff and doctors I interacted with the last two days. What was a very scary and stressful time was made enjoyable, easy, understandable and friendly.
Carrie McKay
I had a Barbotage treatment at the new CAMIS Notre Dame location. I have to say the staff there are excellent. The one in the treatment room with me was so kind, considerate and compassionate). I just want to compliment the lovely lady who assisted the Doctor who was also exceptionally good at trying not to cause me any more pain. Great job done by both of them.
Carole Carnahan
Impressed with my mammogram appointment today, the lineup went quickly and was efficiently managed. Pam was wonderful, these tests aren’t fun but she was kind, gentle, and has an excellent personality. The ladies at the front desk were also friendly and very knowledgeable and answered all my questions . Thank you for a great experience.
C.P.
We travel 1.5 hours for prenatal ultrasounds to come here instead of the 30mins to the place closest to us due to great experiences with the ultrasound techs in Red Deer, they have all been lovely!
Brooke Zimmer
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Do You Need A Bone Density Scan?
Contact our Camis Care team to ask questions and learn more about our bone density exam services.