1162 – Bone Densitometry testing for menopausal women aged 50

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This proposal is for the provision of an MBS item number for bone mineral density (BMD) testing using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for all women in their 50th year with a view to identifying individuals with a low or low-normal BMD (that is individuals with a negative T-score) who may be at future increased fracture risk and who would be given appropriate dietary and lifestyle healthy bone advice.

DXA scanning is considered the gold standard for the purposes of identifying patients with low BMD, predominantly due to cost-effectiveness and accessibility. It documents small changes in bone mass and can also be used to examine both the spine and the extremities.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile and brittle, leading to a higher risk of fractures (breaks or cracks) than in normal bone.

Fractures due to osteoporosis (osteoporotic fractures) can lead to changes in, muscle weakness, loss of height and bone deformity of the spine. Fractures can lead to chronic pain, disability, loss of independence and even premature death.

The prevalence of osteoporosis is high in women due to a decrease in oestrogen levels after menopause which results in higher levels of bone loss per year than in men.

• PASC meeting: 
  • 16 to 17 August 2012
  • 13 to 14 December 2012
• ESC meeting: 
  • 12 to 13 June 2014
• MSAC meeting: 
  • 26 to 28 November 2014