Osteoporosis group agrees testing is overused

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry is considered the primary way to measure bone density and determine if a patient requires a prescription to buy Fosamax. Yet a recent report suggested that this procedure may not be necessary for women under 65 who have no osteoporosis risk factors.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation agrees with this assessment, but says the procedure is still not used enough among those who do have risk factors.

The Choosing Wisely campaign recently published a list of commonly overused medical treatments and tests. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was included, as it is often provided to individuals who are unlikely to have osteoporosis.

Officials from the National Osteoporosis Foundation said they agree that use of the test should be limited to avoid administering it to patients with no risk factors. However, they pointed out that many people who are likely to have osteoporosis due to their age, gender and lifestyle habits do not receive the testing.

The group stressed that the test should remain available and easily accessible for those who are most likely to have osteoporosis. This could improve the number of patients diagnosed at early stages while still limiting inappropriate use.