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 affecting mostly older adults 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 future 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 |
This State of Healthcare Quality Report classifies health plans differently than NCQA’s Quality Compass. HMO corresponds to All LOBs (excluding PPO and EPO) within Quality Compass. PPO corresponds to PPO and EPO within Quality Compass.
Figures do not account for changes in the underlying measure that could break trending. Contact Information Products via my.ncqa.org for analysis that accounts for trend breaks.
References
- National Institutes of Health. Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center (NIH NIAMS). October 2019. “Osteoporosis: Overview.”
- 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