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A body composition DEXA scan measures fat, lean muscle and bone across your whole body and in each region. It is used to track training, weight loss or health programs.
Also called: Body composition scan, Body fat scan, DEXA body scan, Lean muscle scan
Find a clinic for your body composition DEXA scan
7 clinics offer bulk billing for DEXA scan — eligibility varies
Where to get a body composition DEXA scan
7 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly list body composition DEXA scan among their services.
Clinics for a body composition DEXA scan on Radly
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What is a body composition DEXA scan?
A body composition scan uses the same low-dose DEXA technology as a bone density scan, but scans your whole body. The report breaks down fat mass, lean mass and bone mass, including for your arms, legs and trunk, and estimates visceral fat around the organs.
You lie still on your back on the padded table for several minutes while the scanning arm passes from head to toe. It is painless and you can usually stay in light clothing without metal.
It is more precise than bathroom scales or skin calipers, which makes it useful for tracking change over time. For the best comparison, repeat scans under similar conditions, such as the same time of day and hydration.
Why your doctor might request a body composition DEXA scan
- Tracking muscle and fat changes during training
- Monitoring weight loss or a supervised health program
- Checking muscle loss with ageing or illness
- Measuring visceral fat as part of a health review
Body composition DEXA scan: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your body composition DEXA scan
- Avoid exercise and large meals for a few hours before, unless the clinic advises otherwise.
- Keep hydration and timing similar between repeat scans.
- Wear light clothing without metal, and remove jewellery.
- Tell the radiographer if you are or might be pregnant.
How long it takes: About 15–20 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
Body composition DEXA scans are generally not Medicare-rebated and are privately billed. Some clinics accept self-referral and others ask for a referral from a doctor or health professional. Not all DEXA clinics offer it; Radly only shows clinics that list it. The clinic confirms requirements and billing when it confirms your request.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your body composition DEXA scan and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Body composition DEXA scan FAQs
Do I need a referral for a body composition scan?
Not always. Some clinics accept self-referral. The clinic confirms its requirements when it confirms your request.
Is a body composition scan the same as a bone density scan?
Both use DEXA, but a bone density scan focuses on the hip and spine for osteoporosis, while body composition scans the whole body.
How often can I have a body composition scan?
The dose is very low. Many people repeat it every few months to track progress; ask the clinic what suits you.
How do I book a body composition DEXA scan online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select DEXA Scan as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a body composition DEXA scan?
Appointments for DEXA scan are usually 1–5 days, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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