Bone Density Study
Frequently Asked Questions

Information regarding common topics is provided here for your convenience.

What is a Bone Density study? Do they inject me with anything? How is the test done? Do I undress? What part of the body is scanned? Does a Bone Density Study hurt? Do I have to go inside of a machine? Can I eat before the test? Can I wear jewelry? Can I wear clothes with buttons? Do I need to stop milk and other foods with calcium? Do I need to stop my acid reflux medication? Do I need to stop my cholesterol/blood pressure/hormone medications? Others? What paperwork do I need in order to have a Bone Density Study?

Can I have my Bone Density study the same day as my mammogram? How do I request an appointment online? What computer hardware/software is required to request an appointment online? Is there a fee for using this online appointment service? What if I need help scheduling an appointment? Is this site secure? How do I cancel/reschedule an appointment? How long until I receive my appointment date and time? What if I do not get a response? Why is my Social Security number necessary? How can I request the estimated cost?

Q. What is a Bone Density study?
A. A Bone density study uses a low-dose radiation x-ray to study the structure of your hip and spine.

Q. Do they inject me with anything?
A. No, the study is completely non-invasive.

Q. How is the test done? Do I undress? What part of the body is scanned?
A. You will not need to undress for this study, the pictures taken are of your hip and spine.

Q. Does a Bone Density Study hurt?
A. You should not experience any pain with this study.

Q. Do I have to go inside of a machine?
A. No, you will not enter a machine like you would for an MRI.

Q. Can I eat before the test?
A. Yes, you may eat anything prior to this test.

Q. Can I wear jewelry?
A. Wearing jewelry will not affect the outcome of this study.

Q. Can I wear clothes with buttons?
A. Yes, you may be asked by the technician to unbutton you pants if they are interfering with the image, but you will be able to keep them on.

Back to Top of Page

Q. Do I need to stop milk and other foods with calcium?
A. No, you may continue your regular diet prior to the study.

Q. Do I need to stop my acid reflux medication?
A. Yes, please refrain from taking any antacids or calcium supplements 24 hours prior to your study.

Q. Do I need to stop my cholesterol/blood pressure/hormone medications? Others?
A. You may take all your normal medicines prior to your study with the exception of any antacids or calcium supplements. These should be stopped 24 hrs prior to your study.

Q. What paperwork do I need in order to have a Bone Density Study?
A. You must have a physician's order before you can schedule the test.

Q. Can I have my Bone Density Study the same day as my mammogram?
A. Yes, you can have a mammogram and bone density together (same day). You may call us (904.202.2222) to schedule both or use the combination appointment request form.

Back to Top of Page

Q. How do I request an appointment online?
A. Fill out and submit the Request an Appointment form on this website.

Be sure to include when and where you would like your appointment and your contact information. The information is sent via a secure email to the scheduling department who will process your request and contact you with your appointment date, time and location within 24 hours of you submitting your request.

Q. What computer hardware/software is required to request an appointment online?
A. No additional hardware or software is required to utilize this site.

Q. Is there a fee for using this service?
A. No. This site is offered by Baptist Health free of charge to assist in the convenience of scheduling your mammograms and bone density studies.

Q. What if I need help scheduling an appointment?
A. You may email us at mammography.appointment@bmcjax.com or call us at 904.202.2222, select option 2 then option 1.

Q. Is this site secure?
A. Yes, all information on this site is secure and will remain confidential.

Q. How do I cancel/reschedule an appointment?
A. You may email us at mammography.appointment@bmcjax.com or call us at 904.202.2222, select option 2 then option 1. You can also notify us via an online form.

Q. How long until I receive my appointment date and time?
A. You will receive a response within one business day.

Q. What if I do not get a response?
A. Call us at 904.202.2222 option 2 then option 1.

Q. Why is my Social Security Number necessary?
A. Baptist Health uses your Social Security Number for identification so your personal health information remains private and your records are safely assigned to you.

Q. How can I request the estimated cost?
If you have insurance coverage, you should call your insurance company to ask about your cost. Their phone number is usually located on your health insurance card. We have provided the Estimated Cost (without Insurance) for our standard procedures.

Back to Top of Page