AACE applauds legislation for preservation of access to osteoporosis testing for Medicare beneficiaries

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) applauds the introduction of legislation in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate that will preserve patient access to osteoporosis testing and treatment services under the Medicare program.

“Preservation of Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2011”

The legislation introduced last night, "Preservation of Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2011," (H.R. 2020, S. 1096) will extend current Medicare payment rates for energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) tests, through 2013. Without congressional action, Medicare payment rates for this service will be reduced by approximately 50% at the beginning of next year. Physicians will be forced to discontinue DXA tests because payment rates will not cover the cost of providing the procedures.

Osteoporosis testing is done by measuring bone density with a DXA machine. Providing a DXA test in the office allows a physician to identify patients at high fracture risk and immediately implement a treatment plan if required. A DXA test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of medical therapy to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis has been proven to reduce painful and costly fractures.

"The introduction of the "Preservation of Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2011" demonstrates a strong commitment to disease prevention, improved health outcomes, and reducing growing health care costs," said Dr. Yehuda Handelsman, endocrinologist and AACE President. "AACE calls on Congress to enact this important legislation this year."

In 2005, osteoporosis was responsible for an estimated two million fractures and $19 billion in costs. By 2025, experts predict that osteoporosis will be responsible for approximately 3 million fractures and $25.3 billion in costs each year, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

AACE commends the Congressional sponsors of the legislation. Sponsors in the House are Representatives Michael Burgess (R-26^th-TX) and Shelley Berkley (D-1^st-NV); the sponsors of the identical Senate bill, Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for their leadership on this issue.