Advanced Bone Density
Testing at RAVE Sarasota
Standard DEXA measures bone mineral density, telling you how dense your bones are. But density alone only explains part of fracture risk. Two patients can have identical BMD scores and very different bone structure quality at the microscopic level. TBS fills that gap. It analyses the texture and pattern of bone in your spine images to assess actual microarchitecture — giving your physician a significantly more complete fracture risk picture.
RAVE is one of the few independent imaging centers in Sarasota offering combined DEXA plus TBS. The scan takes 10-20 minutes. Low radiation — well below everyday background levels. No preparation required.
What Sets RAVE Apart for Bone Density in Sarasota
DEXA + TBS Combined: Standard DEXA measures density. Our integrated TBS evaluates bone microarchitecture quality independently. Together they identify fracture risk that BMD alone would miss.
Comprehensive Screening: Central DEXA of spine and hip plus optional Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA) to check for compression fractures you may not know about.
Post-Menopausal Bone Health Monitoring: Regular DEXA tracks how your bone density changes over time and monitors your response to treatment. We maintain your imaging history for longitudinal comparison.
Board-Certified Radiologist Reads: Every DEXA reviewed and reported by our radiologists, ensuring accurate T-score, Z-score, and TBS calculation.
Complete Bone Density Services
at RAVE Sarasota
Central DEXA — Spine & Hip
Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) Analysis
Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA)
Fracture Risk Assessment
Treatment Response Monitoring
What to Expect During Your Bone Density
Scan at RAVE Sarasota
Before Your Appointment
- No fasting required
- Skip calcium supplements on the morning of your exam
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, underwire, or thick buttons
- Wait at least 7 days after barium studies, nuclear medicine, or CT with contrast
- Bring prior DEXA results from other facilities if available
During Your Scan
You’ll lie flat on a padded table while the DEXA scanner arm passes slowly over your body. No enclosures, no loud noises, no injections. The scanner captures images of your lumbar spine and hip. TBS software processes the spine images automatically — no extra steps. Total scan time: 10-20 minutes.
After Your Scan
Resume normal activities immediately. T-scores, Z-scores, and TBS values compiled into a radiologist report, typically delivered to your physician within 24 hours. Your doctor will discuss results and any treatment or monitoring recommendations.
Common Questions About Bone
Density Scans in Sarasota
“Who should get a bone density scan?”
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends DEXA screening for all women age 65 and older, and for younger postmenopausal women with risk factors. Your physician may also order a scan if you have had a fracture from a minor fall, long-term steroid use, type 1 diabetes, kidney or liver disease, thyroid conditions, or an X-ray suggesting bone loss.
“What’s the difference between DEXA and a bone scan?”
Completely different tests. DEXA measures bone mineral density with very low-dose X-rays — it’s the standard tool for diagnosing osteoporosis. A “bone scan” (nuclear medicine scintigraphy) uses a radioactive tracer to detect abnormal bone activity, typically for cancer staging or infection. Your physician will specify which one they’re ordering.
Very little. A standard DEXA delivers roughly 1-10 microsieverts. For comparison, a chest X-ray is around 100 microsieverts and daily background radiation is about 10 microsieverts. It’s one of the lowest-dose imaging studies available.
“How often should I have a bone density scan?”
Typically every 1-2 years for patients monitoring bone health or on treatment. Women with normal baseline results may go 2 years between scans. Your physician advises based on your T-score, risk factors, and treatment status. We keep your prior results on file for direct longitudinal comparison.
“Is bone density testing covered by insurance?”
Medicare covers DEXA every 24 months for qualifying patients. Most private plans follow similar guidelines. We verify your coverage when you call to schedule.
Conditions and Risk Factors That May Indicate a Bone Density Scan
- Postmenopausal status, especially early or surgical menopause
- Long-term corticosteroid use (prednisone, cortisone)
- Type 1 diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease
- Hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism
- History of hip fracture in a parent
- Low body weight or history of anorexia
- Smoking history
- X-ray evidence of vertebral fracture
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Vitamin D deficiency
Bone density loss is often silent until a fracture occurs. Screening identifies risk before that happens.
Expert Interpretation by RAVE’s
Board-Certified Radiologists
The scan itself is only half the picture. Every imaging study at RAVE Sarasota is interpreted by one of our eight board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologists, many with subspecialty expertise directly relevant to your study.
Our Team Includes:
Conveniently Located in Sarasota’s
Cattlemen Road Medical District
RAVE Radiology Sarasota is at 3501 Cattlemen Road, Suite C, Sarasota FL 34232 —
right across from Doctors Hospital. Easy access from I-75, US-41, and University Parkway.
Free covered parking, ground level, fully wheelchair accessible.
Hours
- Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Extended hours available for select services
- Saturday and Sunday: By appointment (seasonal)
- Walk-in X-ray during business hours
Drive Times
- Downtown Sarasota: 15 minutes
- Lakewood Ranch: 12 minutes
- Siesta Key: 20 minutes
- Gulf Gate / Palmer Ranch / Bee Ridge: 15-20 minutes
- Bradenton: 25 minutes | Venice / North Port: 30-35 minutes
Insurance & Affordable Payment Options
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and Florida Blue. Not sure if we’re in your network? Call 941-488-7781 and we’ll check right away.
Pre-Authorisation: Many plans require prior auth before imaging. We handle this for you, typically within 2-5 business days.
Self-Pay Rates: Our independent facility pricing is often significantly lower than hospital-based centers. Upfront quotes, no surprises.
Payment Plans: Interest-free plans with no credit check. Approval usually immediate.
Ready to Schedule Your Bone Density Appointment?
Experience the RAVE difference, where advanced technology meets compassionate care.
Our Sarasota facility is ready to serve you with same-day and next-day appointments when available.
Three Easy Ways to Schedule:
- Call 941-488-7781 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM)
- Schedule Online: https://www.raverad.com/schedule/
- Contact Us: https://www.raverad.com/contact/
Questions? Our patient care coordinators are here to help with insurance coverage, costs, preparation, extended hours, claustrophobia accommodations, and more.
What Happens Next:
- We verify insurance and provide cost estimate
- We handle pre-authorization if needed
- You receive preparation instructions
- Arrive 15 minutes early on scan day
- Results interpreted within 24 hours
Need urgent MRI?
Call immediately at 941-488-7781 for same-day or next-day appointments when possible.