Does REMS Echo Light replace DEXA ?

A common question we hear is, “If I do the EchoLight scan, do I still need my DEXA?”

The answer is yes—you should still have your DEXA scan when it’s due, especially if it is covered by insurance. DEXA provides a long-term baseline and helps us track changes in bone density every couple of years.

EchoLight REMS offers something different, and very complementary. It allows for more frequent, radiation-free monitoring to assess how your bones are responding to treatment—whether that’s hormone therapy, strength training, supplements, or lifestyle changes. It also provides valuable information on bone quality, not just density, giving us a more complete picture of your bone strength. This is something DEXA does not measure.

We also use EchoLight to evaluate younger women who may be at risk for bone loss but do not yet qualify for DEXA scans through insurance. This includes women experiencing hormone shifts, those with a family history of osteoporosis, or anyone on medications like GLP-1s that may impact bone health.

At Nova, we believe in early detection and personalized, proactive care. EchoLight supports that philosophy by helping us track your progress between DEXA scans and make timely adjustments to your care plan if needed.

If you would like to schedule a scan or talk more about your bone health strategy, we are happy to help.