Osteoporosis Testing in Older Women: This survey-based measure assesses women 65–85 years of age who report ever having received a bone density test to check for osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Management in Women Who Had a Fracture: Assesses women 65–85 years of age who suffered a fracture and who had either a bone mineral density test or a prescription for a drug to treat osteoporosis in the six months after the fracture.
Why It Matters
Osteoporosis is a serious disease in the elderly that can impact their quality of life. Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by low bone mass, which leads to bone fragility and increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine and wrist.1
Osteoporotic fractures, particularly hip fractures, are associated with chronic pain and disability, loss of independence, decreased quality of life and increased mortality.2 With appropriate screening and treatment, the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures can be reduced.
Results
Bone Density Testing Rate
| Year | Medicare HMO | Medicare PPO |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 72.5 | 79.6 |
| 2016 | 72.7 | 80.5 |
| 2015 | 73.8 | 79.3 |
| 2014 | 74.2 | 78.5 |
| 2013 | 73.6 | 76.3 |
| 2012 | 72.1 | 75.4 |
| 2011 | 71 | 75 |
| 2010 | 68.5 | 73.4 |
| 2009 | 68 | 72.8 |
| 2008 | 66.7 | 72 |
| 2007 | 65.7 | 70.3 |
| 2006 | 64.4 | 71.3 |
Testing/Treatment Rate in Women Who Had a Fracture
| Year | Medicare HMO | Medicare PPO |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 49.6 | 41.2 |
| 2017 | 46.7 | 39.1 |
| 2016 | 41.9 | 34.2 |
| 2015 | 40.7 | 32.8 |
| 2014 | 38.1 | 30.2 |
| 2013 | 29.2 | 22.4 |
| 2012 | 25 | 19.1 |
| 2011 | 22.8 | 19.3 |
| 2010 | 20.7 | 18.5 |
| 2009 | 20.7 | 18.1 |
| 2008 | 20.7 | 18 |
| 2007 | 20.4 | 17.8 |
References
- National Institutes of Health. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders (NIH NIAMS). January 2012. “Osteoporosis: Overview.”
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. January 2011. “Recommendations and Rationale: Screening for Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women.” http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/osteoporosis/osteorr.htm