Short answer: No. At WLC Medical, you do not need a GP referral to book a Bone Density DEXA Scan or a Total Body Composition DEXA Scan. As the first allied health clinic in Western Australia to offer medical-grade DEXA assessments without requiring a GP referral, we make it easier for people to access accurate information about their bone health and body composition. Many people choose to self-refer to better understand their bone health or body composition, establish a baseline, monitor changes over time, or support their health and fitness goals. If you have been referred by your GP or another healthcare provider, you're also welcome to book your scan with us.
Long answer:
A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a quick, safe and non-invasive assessment that uses a very low dose of X-ray radiation to provide detailed information about your bone health and body composition.
At WLC Medical, we were the first allied health clinic in Western Australia to offer medical-grade DEXA assessments without requiring a GP referral, making advanced body composition and bone health assessments more accessible. Whether you’re beginning a new exercise program, monitoring changes in your body composition, or looking to better understand your bone health, you can book directly with us.
All DEXA assessments are performed by our trained Physiotherapists or Accredited Practising Dietitians, who take the time to explain the assessment process and answer any questions you may have. Following your scan, your images are carefully reviewed and a comprehensive clinical report—similar to those provided by medical imaging providers—is prepared to help you better understand your bone health or body composition.
Why might someone book a DEXA Scan without a referral?
People choose to have a DEXA scan for many different reasons, including to:
- Assess bone density and fracture risk.
- Measure body fat, muscle mass and lean tissue.
- Monitor changes during a weight management program.
- Track body composition while taking GLP-1 medications.
- Establish a baseline before making lifestyle or fitness changes.
- Monitor healthy ageing and muscle mass over time.
- Support athletic performance and training goals.
What if my GP recommends a DEXA Scan?
If your GP, specialist or another healthcare provider has recommended a DEXA scan, you’re welcome to have your assessment performed at WLC Medical. Simply bring your referral to your appointment.
With your consent, we can provide a copy of your report to your referring practitioner or another member of your healthcare team to help support your ongoing care.
Which DEXA Assessment is right for me?
The right assessment depends on what you’d like to learn.
A Bone Density DEXA Scan measures bone mineral density and helps identify reduced bone strength, osteopenia and osteoporosis.
A Total Body Composition DEXA Scan provides a detailed analysis of body composition, including:
- Lean muscle mass
- Body fat percentage
- Visceral fat
- Fat distribution
- Bone mineral content
If you’re interested in both your bone health and body composition, you can choose to have both assessments completed during the same appointment.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive understanding of your health, our Body Composition & Metabolic Assessment (DEXA ‘Sport’ Package) combines a Total Body Composition DEXA scan with Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) testing, performed by one of our Accredited Practising Dietitians.
How WLC Medical can help
Whether you’re looking to assess your bone health, better understand your body composition or establish a baseline for your future health, WLC Medical provides medical-grade DEXA assessments from our clinic in Belmont, Perth.
As the first allied health clinic in Western Australia to offer medical-grade DEXA assessments without requiring a GP referral, we’re proud to make advanced bone health and body composition assessments more accessible.
You can choose a Bone Density DEXA Scan, a Total Body Composition DEXA Scan, both assessments together during a single appointment, or our Body Composition & Metabolic Assessment (DEXA ‘Sport’ Package), which combines a Total Body Composition DEXA scan with Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) testing performed by our Accredited Practising Dietitians.
No GP referral is required, and with your consent we can provide a copy of your report to your GP or another healthcare provider to support your ongoing care. Our clinicians also take the time to explain your results, answer your questions and help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Want to find out more?
If you’d like to learn more about our DEXA assessments or discuss which assessment may be right for you, call our friendly team on (08) 6263 7778 or email info@wlcmedical.com.au. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision. You can also book an appointment online through HotDoc if you’re ready to get started.
References
- International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD). Official Positions.
- Healthy Bones Australia. Bone Density Testing.
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). Guidelines for Preventive Activities in General Practice.
