Can I Get a Bone Density Scan Without a GP Referral in the UK?

On the NHS, no: a bone density (DEXA) scan has to be arranged by your GP or a hospital specialist. Privately, often yes. Many UK private hospitals, imaging clinics and scan-booking services accept self-referral from adults who are paying for themselves. Policies vary by provider and even by site, insurers often still need a referral, and you should check who reports the scan and what you'll receive before you book. DEXA remains the UK standard for diagnosing osteoporosis. Radiation-free REMS screening, which you can also book yourself, is an option for screening and monitoring.

Can you get an NHS bone density scan without a GP referral?

No. There is no self-referral route for an NHS DEXA scan. It is arranged by your GP or a hospital specialist once they've decided you need one. The NHS explains that a GP who suspects osteoporosis "can work out your future risk of breaking a bone using an online programme, such as FRAX or Q-Fracture," and "may also refer you for a bone density scan to measure your bone strength" NHS.

The NHS says you may need a scan if you are over 50 with a risk of developing osteoporosis, or under 50 with other risk factors, such as smoking or a previous broken bone NHS. UK guidance (NOGG) recommends a FRAX assessment for any postmenopausal woman, or man aged 50 or over, with a clinical risk factor, and uses the result to decide who needs a bone density measurement NOGG, 2024. You can see how this works in our guides to the FRAX calculator and getting a bone density scan on the NHS.

So if you are worried about your bones, the Royal Osteoporosis Society's advice is simple: "If you think you need a bone density scan talk to your doctor" Royal Osteoporosis Society. If you meet the criteria, the NHS route is free and leads directly into NHS treatment if you need it.

Can you book a private DEXA scan yourself?

Often, yes. Self-referral is common for self-pay adults at UK private providers, but it isn't universal, so check with the specific provider and site. Examples, checked at the time of writing:

• Private hospitals. Spire Healthcare states that "self-referrals are accepted" for its Bone Health Check, which includes a DEXA scan and a consultation with a Spire GP to discuss the results the same day. It is offered at selected Spire hospitals, and Spire asks you to check clinical eligibility and booking criteria first Spire Healthcare. At Nuffield Health, the answer depends on the hospital. Its Cheltenham Hospital, for example, says you can self-refer for a DXA scan by contacting the radiology team Nuffield Health, but policies can differ between its hospitals. Other private hospital groups offer DEXA too, so check the referral rules with the hospital you plan to use.
• Imaging clinics. Vista Health lets you "refer yourself (18+) or upload your clinical referral letter" Vista Health.
• Scan-booking services. Scan.com says "you do not need a GP referral". After you book, its clinicians collect the information needed to "compile a referral on your behalf" and send it to the scanning site Scan.com UK.

Even where you don't need a GP, the provider will usually still check that the scan is appropriate for you, which is why some ask screening questions or compile a referral on your behalf. The NHS notes that DEXA scans aren't recommended during pregnancy NHS, so tell the provider if you are, or could be, pregnant.

If you're claiming on private medical insurance, you will often need a GP or specialist referral and pre-authorisation from your insurer (rules vary by insurer and policy), even at a clinic that takes self-referrals from people paying for themselves. For a broader comparison of providers and what's included, see where to get a private bone density scan in the UK and our bone density scan cost guide.

What should you check before booking a scan without a referral?

Check what you're actually getting: which bones are scanned, who reports the scan, whether anyone explains it, and where the report goes. These details matter more when there's no GP in the loop at the start.

• Sites scanned. A standard DEXA looks at the spine and hips, and sometimes the wrist Royal Osteoporosis Society. Make sure you're booking a bone density scan, not a DEXA body composition scan, which measures fat and muscle and isn't used to assess osteoporosis. Our guide to DEXA body composition scans explains the difference.
• Who reports it. Ask whether a radiologist or other qualified clinician writes the report. Scan.com, for example, gives digital access to a radiologist's report Scan.com UK.
• Who explains it. Some packages include a doctor's consultation, like Spire's Bone Health Check Spire Healthcare. Others send only a written report. A T-score without context can be confusing. Our guide to reading your DEXA report can help.
• Where the report goes and how fast. Some clinics send the report to your referring clinician. Vista Health, for example, says your referring clinician receives a written report within three working days, though it also notes timings can vary by location Vista Health. If you self-refer, ask whether the report comes to you, and get a copy to share with your GP.
• What it costs in total. Ask for a written, all-inclusive price before booking, including any consultation or report fees.

What happens after a private scan?

Take the full written report to your GP. A scan result alone doesn't decide treatment. The Royal Osteoporosis Society says "your bone density scan is just one part of assessing your bone strength". Results are usually combined with a fracture risk assessment, such as FRAX, before anyone decides whether you need medicine Royal Osteoporosis Society.

T-scores are grouped like this: +1 to −1 is normal, −1 to −2.5 is low bone density (osteopenia), and −2.5 or below is in the osteoporosis range Royal Osteoporosis Society. If your result is in the osteopenia or osteoporosis range, your GP can work out your fracture risk and discuss options with you. See DEXA results and T-scores explained.

Is there a radiation-free scan you can book without a referral?

Yes. Screen My Bones runs radiation-free REMS ultrasound bone assessments, with no GP referral needed, through mobile assessment-day pop-ups at venues across the UK. REMS (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry) uses ultrasound to assess the lumbar spine and hip, the same sites a DEXA looks at. Because it uses no ionising radiation, it can be repeated to track change over time. You can read how it works in REMS vs DEXA and on our REMS technology page.

To be clear about what it is and isn't: REMS is a screening assessment, not a DEXA diagnosis. The 2024 UK clinical guideline (NOGG) does not recommend REMS for diagnosing osteoporosis, and names DEXA at the femoral neck as the reference technology NOGG, 2024. If a REMS result is concerning, it's a reason to talk to your GP about a fracture risk assessment and, where appropriate, a DEXA referral.

REMS may suit you if you want a proactive baseline before you meet NHS referral criteria, prefer to avoid X-rays for repeat monitoring, or simply want to find out where you stand. Because dates and venues rotate, see where we're screening across the UK, find a bone density scan near you or check availability and book. If an NHS or private DEXA suits your situation better, that's a perfectly good choice too.

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This article is part of our screening technology series.