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Bone mineral densitometry

Item Description

12306

The confirmation of a presumptive diagnosis of low bone mineral density made on the basis of; 1 or more fractures occurring after minimal trauma; or for the monitoring of low bone mineral density proven by bone densitometry at least 12 months previously. Low bone mineral density is present when the bone mineral density falls more than 1.5 standard deviations below the age matched mean (Z score), or more than 2.5 standard deviations below the young normal mean at the same site and in the same gender (T-score).

1 service only in a period of 24 consecutive months
12312
  • prolonged glucocorticoid therapy;
  • conditions associated with excess glucocorticoid secretion;
  • male hypogonadism; or
  • female hypogonadism lasting more than 6 months before the age of 45.

1 service only in a period of 12 consecutive months
12315 For the diagnosis and monitoring of bone loss associated with 1 or more of the following conditions:
  • primary hyperparathyroidism;
  • chronic liver disease;
  • chronic renal disease;
  • proven malabsorptive disorders;
  • rheumatoid arthritis; or
  • conditions associated with thyroxine excess.

1 service only in a period of 24 consecutive months
12321 For the measurement of bone density 12 months following a significant change in therapy (change in class of drugs not just dose changes) for:
  • established low bone mineral density; or
  • the confirmation of a presumptive diagnosis of low bone mineral density
    made on the basis of 1 or more fractures occurring after minimal trauma.

1 service only in a period of 12 consecutive months
12320*
  • the patient is 70 years of age or over; and
  • either:
    • the patient has not previously had bone densitometry; or
    • the t-score for the patient's bone mineral density is -1.5 or more;
  • other than a service associated with a service to which item 12306, 12312, 12315, 12321 or 12322 applies
  • for any particular patient, once only in a 5 year period.
12322*
  • the patient is 70 years of age over; and
  • the t-score for the patient's bone mineral density is less than -1.5 but more than -2.5;
  • other than a service associated with a service to which item 12306, 12312, 12315, 12320 or 12321 applies
  • for any particular patient, once only in a 2 year period.

DEXA

For screening bone mineral density, which is not eligible for a Medicare rebate.

* A patient who has an initial bone densitometry scan (item 12320) resulting in a t-score of less than -1.5 but greater than -2.5, would become eligible for further testing (assuming the absence of other clinical events) in two years under item 12322. There is no restriction between items 12320 and 12322, other than the guidance provided by the t-scores.