DEXA Scans Denver Colorado — Bone Density and Body Composition Scanning

DEXA — Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry — is the gold standard imaging technology for measuring both bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition. At Bone & Belly, every scan is performed by Brandon Andrews, a credentialed Radiologic Technologist with the advanced bone densitometry credential R.T.(R)(BD)(ARRT) — the highest level of certification available in DEXA imaging.

Unlike weight scales or bioelectrical impedance devices, DEXA gives you precise, clinically validated measurements — the same technology used in hospitals and research institutions.

Bone Density Scanning

A bone density scan measures bone mineral density at the lumbar spine, hip, and forearm, generating a T-score and Z-score that identify osteoporosis, osteopenia, or normal bone mass. Results are interpreted by a licensed radiologist and are used by physicians to assess fracture risk and guide treatment decisions.

T-score: comparison to young adult peak bone mass  ·  Z-score: comparison to age-matched peers

Osteoporosis & Osteopenia

Osteoporosis is a condition of critically low bone mineral density that significantly increases fracture risk. Osteopenia describes bone density below normal but not yet at the osteoporosis threshold. Early detection through DEXA bone densitometry allows physicians to intervene before fractures occur.

Body Composition Analysis

DEXA body composition analysis measures total body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, visceral adipose tissue, and regional fat distribution — right arm, left arm, trunk, right leg, left leg. This data is used by physicians, personal trainers, and patients to set meaningful fitness and health benchmarks beyond what a scale can show.

FRAX & Fracture Risk

FRAX is the World Health Organization's fracture risk assessment tool, integrated into bone density reporting. It calculates the 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture, giving physicians a clinically validated framework for treatment decisions related to osteoporosis management.

Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA)

VFA is a low-dose spinal imaging scan performed on the same DEXA system during your bone density appointment. It allows the radiologist to identify existing vertebral fractures in the thoracic and lumbar spine — fractures that are often silent and undetected. VFA findings can change clinical management and are recommended by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) for patients at elevated fracture risk.

Why Independent & Credentialed Matters

Bone & Belly is a state-certified, independently operated DEXA practice. Every bone density scan is read by a licensed radiologist. Our CDPHE Registration #100259 certifies our GE Lunar Prodigy scanner for clinical use in Colorado. You won't find that standard at wellness centers operating outside the scope of licensed medical imaging.

Download & Submit

Download the Bone & Belly DXA Physician Order Form, complete all required fields, sign, and send to us prior to your patient's appointment.

Completed forms can be emailed to boneandbellyscan@gmail.com prior to your patient's scheduled appointment.

Order Requirements

• —Per Colorado regulation, DXA body composition scans require an individual physician order
• —Bone density scans may be ordered under standing orders from a qualified practitioner (MD, DO, DC, NP, PA)
• —Orders must include patient name, date of birth, scan type, clinical indication, and practitioner signature
• —This form serves as the required order of record and will be retained in the patient file