Fall 2009

Educating patients about osteoporosis prevention

Osteoporosis continues to be a threat for about 55% of Americans (mostly women) age 50 and older.¹ It's estimated that approximately 10 million already have osteoporosis and 34 million may be at risk because of low bone mass.

In an ongoing effort to educate our members, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (BCBSF) sends osteoporosis educational letters to female members who are age 50 and older and recently had a fracture. The letter advises the member to speak with her physician about osteoporosis testing. Please discuss osteoporosis and bone density testing with your elderly and at risk patients.

Our Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set^® (HEDIS) results for BlueMedicare HMO have improved more than 5 percentage points since 2008. This measures the percentage of women 67 years and older who suffered a fracture and who had either a bone mineral density (BMD) test or prescription for a drug to treat or prevent osteoporosis in the six months after the fracture.

For more information on BCBSF Medical Policies for bone mineral density studies, refer to the Medical Policies (Medical Coverage Guidelines) on our website at www.bcbsfl.com.

For more information on osteoporosis, you can also visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/BoneMassMeasurement/01_Overview.asp#.