Osteoporosis Expert Responds to Boston Globe Article

Monday, 07 June 2010 07:58

Osteoporosis expert, Dr. Mike Lewiecki responds to the May 31, the Boston Globe article On Health Care, Lobbyists Flex Muscle: Medicare Overruled on Bone Scan Tests with the following comments o nthe importance of bone density testing.

"The Boston Globe article is ill-considered and inaccurate for reasons that include:

1. DXA is clearly not in the same category as "expensive imaging tests" which which it is equated in this article.

2. The US Surgeon General has suggested that we should be doing more DXAs rather than fewer.

3. DXA facilities have already been closing down throughout the country, resulting in limited access to needed care, particularly in rural areas.

4. There is evidence in published studies from Geisinger and Kaiser Southern California that doing more DXAs and treating more high risk patients can reduce hip fracture rates and save money for the healhcare system.

5. The Lewin Group study has shown that reducing the number of DXAs performed will decrease the number of patients treated to reduce fracture risk, increase the number of fractures, and increase healthcare costs.

6. Lobbying for patients' rights is a worthwhile endeavor and should be continued."

By E. Michael Lewiecki, MD, Co-founder of Cardea Technology