National Osteoporosis Foundation Applauds the United States Congress for the passage of Health Care Reform Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 22, 2010) — The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) applauds the United States Congress for the passage of Health Care Reform legislation that includes some relief from the Medicare cuts to Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), the imaging procedure accepted as the gold standard for preventing, diagnosing and treating osteoporosis. The House passed HR 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (which was passed by the Senate in December 2009) and it is expected that President Obama will sign the bill shortly.

Of people age 50 and older, one in two women and up to one in four men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetimes. Bone density tests are critical to detecting osteoporosis and preventing debilitating and costly fractures before they occur. DXA tests can help predict a person's chances of fracturing and help monitor and evaluate a patient's osteoporosis treatment. Minimizing fracture risk through early detection and preventive care far outweigh the costs of DXA.

"We appreciate Congress passing this legislation to ensure access to these important medical tests for the 10 million individuals with osteoporosis and the 34 million individuals estimated to have low bone mass across the country," said Amy Porter, National Osteoporosis Foundation Executive Director and CEO. "Osteoporosis now causes an estimated two million fractures each year and often results in immobility, pain, placement in a nursing home, isolation and other health problems. These conditions and circumstances could largely be prevented through proper bone density testing and diagnosis," she continued.

Drastically low levels of reimbursement for the tests create unnecessary barriers for those who cannot take the time for multiple healthcare provider visits and pose a serious threat to the frail and elderly who cannot travel long distances, particularly those living in rural areas. According to estimates, less than 20 percent of those who are eligible are being tested for osteoporosis; this number is expected to plunge if patients’ access to bone density testing is reduced.

The DXA provision adopted last night requires Medicare to reverse the cuts in DXA reimbursement during 2010 and 2011 to no less than 70% of the 2006 rates. The legislation also provides for a study and report by the Institute of Medicine on this issue.

About National Osteoporosis Foundation

Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation, a leading community-focused health organization, is dedicated to the prevention of osteoporosis and broken bones, the promotion of strong bones for life and the reduction of human suffering through programs of awareness, education, advocacy and research. For more information on the National Osteoporosis Foundation, visit www.nof.org.