In the News

New Legislation Aimed to Protect Patient Access to Osteoporosis Testing

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry of the central skeleton known as DXA (“dexa”) is considered the “gold standard” test for osteoporosis, which affects more than 50 million Americans. DXA tests are associated with improved clinical outcomes through preventing bone fractures. Funding cuts in Medicare Part B reimbursement for this preventive imaging at a physician’s office started in 2007 and has now reached 56 percent below the 2006 level as of January 2010.

To encourage the use of DXA testing, the Affordable Care Act of 2010 provided partial relief from the cuts for two years (2010–11). Due to the rising costs and reduced funding, DXA testing in all Medicare Part B settings has resulted in 800,000 fewer tests than expected for Medicare beneficiaries. These tests may have prevented approximately 12,000 fractures. Testing declined in 2010 when the start of reimbursement relief under the Affordable Care Act was delayed, and increased outpatient testing failed to offset reduced use in physician offices. In particular, the payment cuts reduced access to tests for elderly female Medicare beneficiaries.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that Congress extend the payment relief granted under the Affordable Care Act. Currently the “Preservation of Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act” (S. 1096/H.R. 2020) is before Congress for debate and a final vote will take place this January. This act is aimed to protect patient access to osteoporosis testing. To read more and take action please visit: http://www.nof.org/advocacy/takeaction.

Source: Alison B. King and Donna M. Fiorentino. “Medicare Payment Cuts For Osteoporosis Testing Reduced Use Despite Tests’ Benefit In Reducing Fractures.” Health Affairs. December 2011 vol. 30 no. 12 2362-2370.

At Women In Government’s Second Annual Healthcare Summit one session featured discussions on the importance of bone health, the underutilization of the dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry scan, and the disproportionate impact of osteoporosis on women.

Dr. Robert Recker is the Director of the Creighton University Osteoporosis Research Center, and is an internationally recognized expert in the field of metabolic bone disease and osteoporosis. He spoke about his expertise in the field of osteoporosis. To learn more, please view his presentation here.

Roberta Biegel spoke about her work at the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) where she is the Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Relations. At NOF, she has jointly led a coalition that introduced and lobbied for legislation included in successful health reform legislation passed in 2010. Ms. Biegel reinvigorated NOF’s grassroots advocacy through the development of the Strong Voices for Strong Bones program and the Healthy Bones Advocacy Network. To learn more, please view her presentation here.

Bone Health Legislative Toolkit Launched

Women In Government is pleased to announce the launch of the Bone Health Legislative Toolkit. The Toolkit contains information on osteoporosis, as well as materials to assist legislators in planning events designed to raise awareness about this critical issue in their districts. These activity guides include tips on hosting a town hall, a bone health walk, and utilizing social media tools to conduct an online awareness campaign. To access the Toolkit, please click on the "Legislative Toolkit" tab in the navigation bar of the Bone Health Policy Resource Center.

Bone Health Walks and Screenings Featured at Regional Conferences

Women In Government is proud to feature bone health screenings and walks at our 2011 Regional Conferences, starting with the 14th Annual Western Regional Conference in Denver, Colorado, on June 15-18. Women In Government celebrated the launch of the Bone Health Policy Resource Center by having a 3.3 kilometer walk through Denver, led by bone health advocates from American Bone Health. This walk had over 40 participants who walked to the steps of the State Capitol. Legislators learned exercises to improve their bone health, which they can bring home to teach to their constituents. Read more about the event here.

PhRMA Report Highlights 20 Osteoporosis Medications in Development

A May 2011 report from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) highlights over 800 pharmaceuticals in development for diseases disproportionately affecting women, including 20 medications for osteoporosis. Read more here.

Former WIG President Susan Crosby Shares Her Story

Susan Crosby, former President of Women In Government and a past Indiana state legislator, tells American Bone Health about her experience receiving a bone density test and discovering that she was at risk for osteoporosis. Read the press release here.