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NOF Supports Extending Payment Relief to Protect Patient Access to Much-Needed Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Testing
A new study published this week in the December issue of Health Affairs looked at the impact cuts in Medicare Part B reimbursement have had on access and utilization of DXA testing, the imaging procedure accepted as the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis. The study found that after a decade of growth, DXA testing in all Part B settings was stagnant from 2007-2009, resulting in 800,000 fewer tests than expected for Medicare beneficiaries, which if conducted, may have prevented approximately 12,000 fractures. NOF joins with the study authors in calling on Congress to extend payment relief for DXA testing for at least two years in order to protect patient access to osteoporosis testing and reduce the physical and economic burden of osteoporosis.
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Last week, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Panel voted that the risks of calcitonin salmon outweigh the benefits for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The panel joined health authorities around the world in reviewing the drug’s safety after two recent studies showed slightly higher rates of cancer among patients taking calcitonin. The panel voted against continued use of the drug by a narrow majority, pointing out that it has not been found very effective in preventing bone fractures.
In today's Washington Post article "Calcium and Vitamin D findings show that caring for your bones can be compilicated," NOF's senior clinical director, Dr. Felicia Cosman helps clear up some of the confusion around the recent and conflicting research on calcium and vitamin D. She says: "It’s confusing, even for doctors. But there’s a common thread: None of the heart or kidney risks were associated with calcium from food."
CIRCA, the leading international buyer of fine jewelry, diamonds and watches, announced a new partnership with NOF at a Generations of Strength luncheon at the Friars Club in New York City on February 26. To kick-off the partnership, CIRCA’s Acting CEO Mary L. Forté presented NOF Executive Director and CEO Amy Porter with a check for $25,000, to support NOF’s mission.
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