MBS item

12306
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Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan of 2 or more bone sites to confirm low bone mineral density after minimal trauma fractures or monitor previously diagnosed low bone mineral density (minimum 12 months prior); once per 24 months.

Category 2 · Diagnostic procedures and investigations[Group D1 · subgroup 10](/groups/D1)

Schedule fee$122.55

100% benefitGP, out of hospital—

85% benefitOut of hospital$104.20

75% benefitIn hospital$91.95

The schedule fee for MBS item 12306 is $122.55. Medicare pays $104.20 (85%) out of hospital, or $91.95 (75%) for a privately admitted patient in hospital. Fee effective 1 July 2026.

Gap for what you charge
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Your fee$

Out of hospitalIn hospital (private)

Medicare pays$104.20

Patient gap$18.35

Bulk billing means accepting $104.20 as full payment, with no gap and no extra charges. [Add incentives](/bulk-billing?item=12306)

Item descriptor
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Bone densitometry, using dual energy X‑ray absorptiometry, involving the measurement of 2 or more sites (including interpretation and reporting), for: (a) confirmation of a presumptive diagnosis of low bone mineral density made on the basis of one or more fractures occurring after minimal trauma; or (b) monitoring of low bone mineral density proven by bone densitometry at least 12 months previously; other than a service associated with a service to which item 12312, 12315 or 12321 applies For any particular patient, once only in a 24 month period

[Explanatory notes and rules on MBS Online ↗](https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=12306)

Health fund and DVA rates
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Total fee each scheme recognises for this item in hospital.

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Guides
------

- [How Medicare benefits work: schedule fees, 75%, 85% and 100%](/guides/how-medicare-benefits-work)
- [Medicare safety nets explained: original and extended (EMSN) thresholds for 2026](/guides/medicare-safety-nets)
- [In-hospital billing: the 75% benefit, the 25% fund benefit, and no-gap and known-gap schemes](/guides/in-hospital-billing-and-gap-cover)
- [Bulk billing incentives and BBPIP explained: 2026 amounts by MM area](/guides/bulk-billing-incentives)
- [The MBS multiple operation rule and surgical assistant fees](/guides/multiple-operation-rule)
- [Assignment of benefit for bulk billing: the changes from 1 July 2026](/guides/assignment-of-benefit-2026)
- [MBS telehealth rules: the eligible telehealth practitioner and phone items](/guides/mbs-telehealth-rules)
- [GP chronic condition management plans: items 965 and 967 explained](/guides/chronic-condition-management-plans)
- [Medicare billing compliance: claim time limits, records and the 80/20 rule](/guides/medicare-billing-compliance)

Data source: [Australian Government Medicare Benefits Schedule](https://www.mbsonline.gov.au/) · Record updated 1 September 2026. Health fund rates come from each fund's published schedule. Verify item descriptors, rules and fees on [MBS Online](https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=12306) before billing. This is a reference tool, not billing or financial advice.