Equipment / DEXA / Cost & Price Guide
DEXA (bone densitometry) is a focused, relatively affordable modality, and its cost is driven mainly by whether you need a central system with body-composition capability or a simpler peripheral unit. Medical Imaging Specialists quotes DEXA on a project basis; this guide explains the levers and gives broad planning ranges.
The market is anchored by Hologic and GE (Lunar) central DEXA systems, which handle spine and hip bone-density measurement plus optional body-composition work.
Central versus peripheral is the headline. A central DEXA system measures spine and hip — the clinically important sites for osteoporosis diagnosis and fracture-risk assessment — and is the standard for a full bone-health program. Peripheral units (forearm, heel) are cheaper but clinically limited. The central-versus-peripheral choice is the biggest price driver.
Options and generation drive the rest. Body-composition analysis (total-body fat/lean/bone for sports medicine, weight management, and research), software generation, and table/arm condition add configuration premium. The brand ecosystem (Hologic vs GE Lunar) affects parts and service pathways but both are well supported.
DEXA is an excellent refurbished value because the technology is mature and stable — bone-density measurement has not changed dramatically across recent generations. A refurbished central DEXA system delivers full clinical capability for osteoporosis and fracture-risk programs at a fraction of new-system cost, which makes refurbished the default smart choice for most practices.
DEXA total cost of ownership is modest: freight, install and calibration, a phantom-based QC setup, and a brief applications orientation. Recurring costs are a service plan, preventive maintenance, and daily/weekly QC phantom scans that are part of normal operation. Room requirements are minimal — no special shielding beyond standard practice — which keeps the all-in project accessible for a primary-care, endocrinology, orthopedic, or rheumatology practice.
MIS sources, installs, and services Hologic and GE Lunar central DEXA systems with engineer-led support and parts. We handle freight, install, calibration, and QC setup as one scope, and we will tell you honestly whether a central system is right for your program or whether body-composition capability justifies the added cost for your case mix.
Typical refurbished DEXA ballpark ranges — broad planning estimates only, not quotes. Central vs peripheral and body-composition options drive most of the spread.
| Configuration | Relative price tier | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Peripheral DEXA (forearm/heel) | Lowest tier | Screening-only; clinically limited. |
| Central DEXA (spine + hip) | Lower-mid tier | Standard osteoporosis and fracture-risk program. |
| Central DEXA with body composition | Mid tier | Total-body fat/lean/bone for sports medicine and research. |
Ranges are broad planning estimates, not quotes. MIS is quote-based — your price depends on configuration, condition, and project logistics.
DEXA is a relatively affordable modality, with price driven mainly by central versus peripheral capability and body-composition options. A peripheral unit sits in the lowest tier, a central spine-and-hip system in the lower-mid tier, and a central system with body composition in the mid tier. MIS quotes each system individually.
A central DEXA measures spine and hip — the clinically important sites for osteoporosis diagnosis and fracture-risk assessment — and is the standard for a full bone-health program. Peripheral units measure the forearm or heel, cost less, but are clinically limited. The central-versus-peripheral choice is the biggest price driver.
Yes for the vast majority of programs. DEXA technology is mature and stable, so a refurbished central system delivers full clinical capability for osteoporosis and fracture-risk work at a fraction of new-system cost, making refurbished the default smart choice.
No. DEXA has minimal room requirements beyond standard practice and no special shielding, which keeps the all-in project accessible. Budget for freight, install and calibration, QC phantom setup, a service plan, and routine QC scans.
Quote-based pricing
MIS quotes every system to your configuration, condition, and siting. Tell us your case mix and we will scope the equipment, install, and service as one package.