At Green and Urribarri we perform bone density tests. We use special X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals — collectively known as bone mineral content — are packed into a segment of bone. The higher your mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break. Doctors use a bone density test to determine if you have, or are at risk of, osteoporosis.
Bone density tests are not the same as bone scans. Bone scans require an injection beforehand and are usually used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone.
Research hasn’t yet determined the optimal interval for repeat bone density screenings, or the right age to stop screening. However, two or more years may be needed between tests to reliably measure a change in your bone density. Your doctor can recommend the best screening interval for you based on your personal medical history and osteoporosis risk factors.
The older you get, the higher your risk of osteoporosis because your bones become weaker as you age. Your race also makes a difference. You’re at greatest risk of osteoporosis if you’re white or of Southeast Asian descent. Black and Hispanic men and women have a lower, but still significant risk. Other risk factors for osteoporosis include low body weight, a personal history of fractures, a family history of osteoporosis and using certain medications that can cause bone loss.
What are the pros and cons of a bone density test?
Bone density testing is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and is a fairly accurate predictor of your risk of fractures. Significant differences in the various testing methods do exist, however. Central devices are more accurate, but cost significantly more than peripheral devices do.
Not all health insurance plans cover bone density tests, so contact greenurribbarri or ask your insurance provider whether it provides coverage that applies to your situation. Medicare pays for bone density tests only in the following instances:
- If you’re postmenopausal and at risk of osteoporosis
- If you have primary hyperparathyroidism
- If you have certain spinal abnormalities that might indicate a fracture
- If you’re on long-term corticosteroid therapy, such as prednisone
- If your doctor wants to assess your response to osteoporosis medications
A bone density test can confirm that you have low bone density, but it can’t tell you why. To answer that question, you need a complete medical evaluation, including a history and physical. This information can help your doctor better interpret the results of the bone density test.
For more information, please contact us info@greenurribarri.net
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