Application Detail

Status

Closed

Description of Medical Service

This proposal is for the provision of an MBS item number for bone mineral density (BMD) testing using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for all women in their 50th year with a view to identifying individuals with a low or low-normal BMD (that is individuals with a negative T-score) who may be at future increased fracture risk and who would be given appropriate dietary and lifestyle healthy bone advice.

DXA scanning is considered the gold standard for the purposes of identifying patients with low BMD, predominantly due to cost-effectiveness and accessibility. It documents small changes in bone mass and can also be used to examine both the spine and the extremities.

Description of Medical Condition

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become fragile and brittle, leading to a higher risk of fractures (breaks or cracks) than in normal bone.

Fractures due to osteoporosis (osteoporotic fractures) can lead to changes in, muscle weakness, loss of height and bone deformity of the spine. Fractures can lead to chronic pain, disability, loss of independence and even premature death.

The prevalence of osteoporosis is high in women due to a decrease in oestrogen levels after menopause which results in higher levels of bone loss per year than in men.

Reason for Application

-

Medical Service Type

-

Previous Application Number

Not Applicable

Associated Documentation

Application Form

-

PICO Confirmation

11 June 2013 to 19 July 2013
Final Protocol (PDF 824 KB)
Final Protocol (Word 327 KB)

Assessment Report

Assessment Report (Word 807 KB)
Assessment Report (PDF 3370 KB)

Public Summary Document

Public Summary Document (PDF 244 KB)
Public Summary Document (Word 119 KB)

Meetings for this Application

PASC

16 to 17 August 2012
13 to 14 December 2012

ESC

12 to 13 June 2014

MSAC

26 to 28 November 2014