Myth 1: QCT is more expensive than DXA

A higher cost for QCT over DXA may have been a valid objection in the days of older CT scanning technology, but modern multi-slice helical CT scanners can acquire QCT spine and hip scan data in just a few seconds. Because of their fast scan times, these CT machines frequently have spare time available, especially in a rural community hospital setting, where the CT scanner is installed for emergency cases. Compared to a QCT system, DXA requires a dedicated room and technician rather than utilizing existing CT infrastructure; and DXA has ongoing maintenance costs, unlike QCT systems that consist only of a software application and solid-state phantoms. In Australia, Medicare reimbursement is identical for DXA and QCT. Total examination time including report generation can be completed in less than 10 minutes.