At our concierge medicine practice in San Antonio, TX, DEXA scans are an important part of your whole-person wellness plan. Dr. Douglas Hilbert integrates advanced diagnostics like DEXA into personalized care, helping patients protect bone health and make informed decisions about long-term well-being.
Understanding DEXA Scans
A DEXA scan is a painless, low-radiation test that measures bone mineral density and body composition. Specialized imaging provides valuable information about your risk for osteoporosis and fractures. We use the latest DEXA technology in our San Antonio office to gather information that goes beyond the basics to reveal additional information to help detect risks and optimize your care.
Benefits of Early Osteoporosis Detection Through DEXA Scans
Osteoporosis often develops silently, without obvious symptoms, until a fracture occurs. With early detection through a DEXA scan, you can take steps to protect bone strength before problems arise. Benefits include:
- Identifying risk factors for osteoporosis before fractures occur
- Tracking changes in bone density over time
- Supporting personalized plans for nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle
- Providing detailed information for targeted treatments if needed
Advanced Health Insights: GE Lunar Prodigy Advance DEXA Scan
Dr. Hilbert uses the state-of-the-art GE Lunar Prodigy Advance DEXA scan to give patients some of the most advanced health information available today. This scan does more than measure bone density. It also checks:
Bone Health
DEXA scans are best known for measuring bone mineral density. Although that is very helpful in assessing osteoporosis risk, it's also important to know more about how healthy your bones are. The GE Lunar Prodigy Advance DEXA scan measures bone health, assessing the internal quality of the bone using the trabecular bone scan (TBS.) Without a TBS, up to 30% of patients at risk of osteoporosis are undetected. This technology provides important details about bone structure that most DEXA scans miss.
Body Composition
The GE Lunar Prodigy Advance DEXA scan also measures body composition. This allows Dr. Hilbert to look closely at:
- Total body fat, including deep belly fat (visceral fat)
- Lean muscle mass across the body
- Basal metabolic rate, which helps estimate how many calories your body burns at rest
This information can be useful for fitness planning, weight loss, nutrition goals, and keeping track of overall wellness.
The Prodigy Advance system uses very low radiation and creates clear images so our patients can feel confident about safety and accuracy. It's designed to give fast, reliable results. The software can combine scans, reduce the need for repeat images, and create clear reports. This means patients spend less time in testing and get results that are easier to understand.
Why Choose Us For Your DEXA Scan
In addition to having the latest diagnostic technology, patients benefit from Dr. Hilbert's expertise in interpreting results and turning that knowledge into action. As a board-certified internal medicine physician and Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), Dr. Hilbert provides advanced insight into how your scan results connect to your overall health. This whole-person approach is what sets our concierge medicine practice apart.
FAQs
What should I expect during a DEXA scan appointment?
You will lie comfortably on a table while the scanner passes over your body. The test is quick, painless, and usually takes less than 20 minutes.
How do I prepare for a DEXA scan to ensure accurate results?
Avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your scan. Wear loose clothing without zippers or metal.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with DEXA scans?
DEXA uses very low radiation, much less than a standard chest X-ray, and is considered extremely safe.
How often should I undergo a DEXA scan to monitor my bone health?
Scan frequency depends on your risk factors and health. In general, women start testing at age 40 and men at 50, but testing varies based on individual risk factors.
Can a DEXA scan detect conditions other than osteoporosis?
Yes. In addition to bone density and health assessments, the scan provides body composition details, including lean muscle mass and fat distribution.
Schedule Your DEXA Scan in San Antonio, TX
Ready for a deep dive into your health, the easy way? Call Dr. Douglas Hilbert's San Antonio, TX, office at 210-614-4000 to book your appointment.
