Bone Density Testing Information

Test Information
We offer our patients the convenience of full-body Bone Mineral Density testing in our office. Bone Mineral Density testing can determine if you have osteoporosis and can help you receive early treatment if so. Bone Densitometry uses small amounts of x-ray to produce images of the spine and hip. You will receive about 1/10th of the radiation of a chest x-ray. It is a safe and painless procedure. The x-ray is composed of two energy levels, which are absorbed differently by the bones in the body. A computer is able to determine from these differences how much bone mineral is present. The spine and hip are measured because that is where osteoporotic fractures occur most.

You will be asked to lie still on a table while a mechanical arm passes over the area to be tested. The bone density test will compare your bone density to that of other people your same age and to that of a young adult. The difference is what the doctor will be using to make a diagnosis.

Wear comfortable clothing, preferably without metal buttons, buckles and zippers. As with any medical procedure you must inform your physician if you are possibly pregnant. If you have recently had an Upper GI Study, Barium Enema or Nuclear Medicine Procedure, you must wait 5 days before having a Bone Density test. Please DO NOT take your calcium pill on the day of your test. Please advise us if you are unable for any reason to lie still on your back for the required 20-30 minutes for the test.

About Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where there is severe loss of calcium and other minerals from the bones. As bones become thin, they weaken, increasing one's chance of fractures. Osteoporosis affects more than 10 million Americans. It affects mostly women, but 20% of those affected are men. Another 18 million Americans have osteopenia-a less severe condition. Without intervention these individuals are at high risk of progressing to osteoporosis.

Risk factors associated with osteoporosis include: being female, getting older, having a family history of osteoporosis, being small boned, and being of Asian or Caucasian race. These are factors you obviously cannot change. Risk factors you can change include: smoking, excessive alcohol use, a poor diet (especially adequate calcium and Vitamin D) and an inactive lifestyle, Medicines can also affect risk: corticosteroids and excessive thyroid hormone increase the risk; estrogen, testosterone and selective estrogen receptor modulators lower the risk.

If you smoke, stop. Avoid excessive alcohol (more than 2oz per day). Make sure you get adequate calcium in your diet: try to have at least three servings of dairy products daily; if not then take a supplement of 1,200 mg. Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption and for mineralization of soft bone. You should get at least 400 IU/day. The elderly may need a larger amount due to age-related resistance to the effects of Vitamin D.
Finally, Exercise! Exercise! Exercise! Exercise is critical to maintaining bone mass or slowing the rate of loss. Any weight-bearing exercise such as jogging, walking, aerobics, dancing, and team sports strengthen the skeletal system. As we age we lose muscle mass as well as bone. Weight training can improve muscle strength and tone, and muscle strength contributes to bone health. Exercising also improves balance. Active older adults have less risk of fracture than those who are sedentary, and better balance means they have less risk of falling.
Diagnosis of Osteoporosis can be made by a Bone Mineral Density test. The DEXA scan is the most sensitive and specific for this.

To learn more about osteoporosis you can visit the websites for the National Osteoporosis Foundation (www.nof.org) or Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education (www.fore.org). You can also schedule an appointment to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your physician.

If we are not your primary physician we can still perform the Bone Density test. Call our office at 330-666-3400 if this is the case. We will provide your physician with a full report of your results.

Your insurance company may not pay for this procedure. If your doctor recommended that you have a Bone Mineral Density test and you want to have it, please contact your insurance to find out if the test is covered and if it needs pre-authorized. If pre-authorization is needed, contact our office. If your insurance does not cover this test and you want to have it you will be responsible for payment. At this time we can do Bone Mineral Density tests for the following insurances:

Aetna PPO - NOT HMO!
Anthem-needs pre-authorization
Cigna-needs pre-authorization
Hometown-needs pre-certification
Medical Mutual-SuperMed Select needs pre-certification
United Healthcare
Medicare

If you have an insurance that is not listed above, please call them to find out if it will be covered for you to have the test in our office.