Clinical-Grade DEXA Scans
for Body Composition & Bone Health
Trusted by researchers & professional athletes across Southern California
Why Desert Dexa? All DEXA scans aren't the same.
Fixed-Site Facility
Our DEXA scanners are in permanent clinical settings — we don't scan in vans. A stable, properly calibrated machine means more reliable results, especially when tracking changes over time.
Full-Service DEXA Provider
We offer both body composition analysis and osteoporosis screening scans — most providers only offer one or the other. Our osteoporosis screenings include interpretation by an independent board-certified radiologist.
Reports You Can Actually Use
Our reports aren't just a table of numbers — they're designed to be readable, with context and explanations built in. Trusted by professional sports teams and active clinical research trials.
Having Desert Dexa's data in our toolkit allows us to personalize training and nutrition like never before. We're able to see if muscle mass is developing symmetrically, reduce injury risk, and keep every athlete aligned with their performance targets.
Our DEXA Scans
We offer two types of DEXA scans — each designed for a different purpose. Choose the one that fits your goals, or combine them for the most complete picture. Learn more about body composition analysis or osteoporosis screening.
Prices vary by scan type and configuration. Visit our booking page to see all package and membership options.
Total Body
Body Composition10+ pages of medical-grade insights on your body composition including:
- Overall and regional fat and muscle measurements
- Visceral fat measurement
- Muscle symmetry (left vs. right)
- Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)
- Appendicular Lean Mass Index (ALMI)
- And much more
Total body bone mineral density plus T-score and Z-score
Regional BMD readings for: arms, ribs, legs, spine, trunk, and pelvis
Osteoporosis Screening
Axial ScanTargeted bone density screening of the areas most vulnerable to osteoporosis
- T-score for hips (left and right femur) and spine
- Z-score for hips (left and right femur) and spine
- BMD for hips (left and right femur) and spine
- Track bone density changes over time to measure treatment effectiveness
- Results can be shared directly with your physician for treatment planning
- Independent board-certified radiologist interpretation
Combo
Best ValueEverything in Total Body and Osteoporosis Screening combined:
- 10+ pages of body composition insights
- Total body and regional bone density metrics
- T-score, Z-score, and BMD for hips and spine
- Independent board-certified radiologist interpretation
- The most complete DEXA report available
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prepare before my DEXA scan?
No special preparation is needed. You can eat, drink, and take medications normally before your scan. DEXA technology is resilient and not affected by recent meals or hydration the way some other body composition methods are. Just avoid clothing with metal zippers or buttons — athletic wear works great.
What is a DEXA scan?
A DEXA (or DXA) scan is a non-invasive test that measures body fat, muscle mass, and bone density using low-dose x-ray technology. It provides highly accurate and detailed information about body composition and bone health in one convenient session.
How long does the DEXA scan take?
The scan typically takes about 15 minutes. You'll receive a detailed breakdown of your body composition and/or bone density measurements.
How much does a scan cost?
Please visit our booking page for up-to-date pricing. Our DEXA scans are affordably priced and often less expensive than insurance copays or deductibles.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. Just book online and come in. No referral, no prescription, no insurance approval needed.
Is the DEXA scan safe?
Yes, the DEXA scan uses an extremely low dose of x-ray radiation, comparable to the amount you'd receive from eating 3 bananas. It's considered very safe for most individuals.
What should I wear to my DEXA scan?
Wear comfortable clothing without metal, such as zippers or buttons, as metal objects might reduce accuracy of scan results. Sports bras are preferable for women. Activewear like yoga pants and a T-shirt are ideal.
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
For body composition tracking, many clients scan every month to monitor changes from fitness and nutrition programs. For bone density monitoring, follow-up scans can be done as appropriate for your individual health needs.
Do you accept insurance?
No, we do not accept insurance. Our DEXA scans are cash-pay services, and we only accept payment via credit and debit cards. Many clients find our pricing more affordable than insurance copays.
Why choose DEXA over other body composition methods?
We use clinical-grade DEXA — the gold standard for body composition testing. It provides significantly more accurate results than bathroom scales, calipers, or bioimpedance devices, measuring regional and total body fat, muscle mass, and bone density with precision.
Do DEXA scans measure visceral fat?
Yes! Our scans measure visceral fat, the dangerous fat that surrounds your internal organs and is linked to metabolic diseases, heart disease, and other health problems.
Why should I get a bone density scan?
Bone density naturally changes over time, and most people don't know where they stand until they measure it. A DEXA bone density scan gives you a clear baseline and T-score so you and your doctor can make informed decisions about your bone health.
Does it matter where I get my DEXA scan?
Yes. DEXA accuracy depends on proper calibration and a stable scanning environment. Our scanners are fixed-site, clinical-grade systems — not mobile units transported in vans. A stable, properly calibrated machine means more reliable results, especially if you're tracking changes over time. We also offer both body composition analysis and clinical osteoporosis screening with independent radiologist interpretation — most providers only offer one or the other.
Ready to See Your Numbers?
Book a DEXA scan at our Rancho Mirage or San Dimas location. No referral needed.
Want to learn more? Read our articles on body composition and bone health.