A DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is an X-ray scan that measures body fat, lean mass and bone density.
What you will pay
| Channel | Price | What is included | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BodySpec DEXA | From $39.95 | Body fat, lean mass and bone density; about 15 minutes; fixed sites and vans | Oct 17 2026 | [1] |
| Prenuvo Body Composition Analysis | $499 | MRI-based body composition | Oct 17 2026 | [2] |
| Neko Health body scan (NYC) | $499 | Body composition plus skin imaging, ECG and blood tests; about 1 hour | Sept 2026 news report | [3] |
What a DEXA scan tells you
A body composition DEXA reports body fat, lean mass and bone density [1]. If you are losing weight on a GLP-1 medicine and want to track muscle, see how to keep muscle on a GLP-1.
A DEXA ordered by a doctor to check for osteoporosis is a different use with its own billing rules. We did not confirm insurance or Medicare rules for bone density testing for this page.
Hidden costs
- Repeat scans. Tracking change means paying for each scan; BodySpec's package prices did not load, so ask about multi-scan pricing [1].
- Bundled services. A $499 Neko or Prenuvo scan includes other measures you may not need [3] [2].
Ways to pay less
- Use a standalone DEXA provider rather than a bundled scan if body composition is all you want [1].
- Scan at the same provider each time so the numbers are comparable.
- Ask your HSA or FSA administrator whether a body composition scan qualifies.
Insurance and Medicare
Body composition scans for fitness or weight tracking are usually self-pay, which is why providers list cash prices [1]. Bone density scans ordered for a medical reason may be billed to insurance under different rules, which we did not confirm for this page.
What the evidence says
We found no US guideline in our research that recommends routine body composition DEXA for healthy adults. Fitness, by contrast, has large observational outcome data: in 122,007 adults, the fittest had an adjusted hazard ratio for death of 0.20 versus the least fit, in an observational study [4]. Pair a DEXA with a VO2 max test if you want both numbers.
DEXA compared with other longevity tests
DEXA is among the cheapest tests in the longevity clinic guide. A full body MRI starts at $899 to $999 [5] [6] (see Ezra vs Prenuvo), and a coronary calcium score usually costs $100 to $150 [7].
Questions people ask
How much does a DEXA scan cost?
How long does a DEXA scan take?
BodySpec lists about 15 minutes per scan [1].
Does insurance cover a DEXA body composition scan?
Body composition DEXA for fitness or weight tracking is usually sold as cash-pay, at prices such as BodySpec's $39.95 starting price [1]. Medical bone density scans have separate rules that we did not confirm.
Is a DEXA scan better than a smart scale?
What is the difference between DEXA and MRI body composition?
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
We found no guideline interval for body composition DEXA in healthy adults. Each scan at BodySpec costs from $39.95 [1], so space scans to match real changes in training or weight.
Sources
7 cited
- BodySpec DEXA scans. BodySpec, accessed 2026-10-17.
- Prenuvo pricing. Prenuvo, accessed 2026-10-17.
- Neko Health opens SoHo scan clinic, skipping MRI for a $499 body checkup. Hoodline, Sep 24, 2026.
- Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with long-term mortality among adults undergoing exercise treadmill testing (Mandsager et al.). JAMA Network Open, Oct 19, 2018.
- Ezra scans and prices. Ezra, accessed 2026-10-17.
- SimonMed whole-body MRI. SimonMed, accessed 2026-10-17.
- Coronary artery calcium scan cost. GoodRx, Aug 28, 2025.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your own care.