A DEXA scan is one of many kinds of bone density scans. DEXA is expanded as Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry and is a very common and effective test to measure bone mineral density. The test ensures an accurate diagnosis of conditions like Osteoporosis and Osteopenia. A bone mineral density test is carried out to measure bone strength and ability to carry weight. With the help of a bone mineral density test, a patient will be able to asses his/her risk of developing a fracture. The test thus enables a person to assess his/her risk of developing a fracture depending upon the strength of their bones and density of minerals present in their bones. This is particularly important while planning treatment for bone disorders like osteoporosis or Osteopenia, which indicate that the bone mass of that particular area of the body is low The bone mineral density of a bone is considered to be normal when the T-score (the test is to be read in terms of a ‘T-score’) is between 0 and -1. A DEXA scan for Osteopena or Osteoporosis will thus have different T-scores that define their diagnosis. A T-score that is between -1 and -2.5 signifies low bone mass or Osteopena, while a T-score that matches or lesser is than 2.5 signifies osteoporosis.
In order to set up a commercial DEXA scan facility, you should ensure that you analyze your costs thoroughly. The cost of setting up a commercial DEXA scan facility will of course be contingent on a number of factors. For instance, your costs will depend upon the nature of the facilities you plan to set up. If you plan to set up a radiology practice, of which the DEXA scan will also be a part, then your expenses will depend on the kinds of facilities you would be ready to provide. Other important expenses for a radiology facility would include maintenance, rent, repairs, medical supplies, salaries of staff, rental of equipment, services purchased and service contracts, and so on. Major expenses will also include the health care plans, insurance schemes, retirement benefits and business allowances of employees.
Imaging facilities like the DEXA scan require a great deal of capital expenditure since the imaging equipment itself is very expensive. Moreover, such kind of capital expenditure (which includes the Imaging equipments) would need to account for annual depreciation as well. While planning a cost structure for an imaging facility, it is also important to estimate the kind of office space and infrastructure that is required by different imaging facilities as this may also influence the extent of expenditure required.
Submitted by M H on February 17, 2010 at 02:50