Fractures related to osteoporosis threaten the health and independence of older Americans. And fractures are common: more than 2 million fractures happen each year due to osteoporosis. The statistics are staggering and unnecessary.
A DXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) bone density test is a non-invasive, simple, yet top quality test for screening and diagnosing patients that may need to be treated for osteoporosis. DXA is more powerful in predicting factures than cholesterol is in predicting a heart attack or blood pressure is in predicting a stroke.
Unfortunately, since 2007, Medicare has been significantly cutting the funding for DXA testing in physician’s offices leading to a sharp decline in the number of people tested, diagnosed and treated. As a result, new research indicates the incidence of hip fractures which had been declining, is now once again on the rise.
NOF and other members of the Fracture Prevention Coalition are supporting legislation in the 115th Congress. H.R.1898 was introduced in April of 2017 and currently has 37 cosponsors.
Recently, S.3160 was introduced in the Senate by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Senator Angus King (I-ME), and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
This legislation would help ensure that patients have access to DXA testing by restoring Medicare funding for DXA.
Action Needed
Please take a few minutes today to go to the Voter Voice link below to quickly send a letter to your Members of Congress asking them to cosponsor and support these two bills.