ACR Opposes DXA Reimbursement Cuts

Support for Bipartisan Bill HR2461
The ACR also supports the bipartisan bill H.R.2461, which establishes a floor for DXA testing reimbursement. The ACR has conducted visits to Capitol Hill to lobby for adequate reimbursement rates for DXA testing, and it also encourages members to visit the Legislative Action Center for information on how to contact their state representatives.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force gives DXA testing a “B” rating as an effective screening tool and “it’s recognized by CMS as a fundamental test for elderly women during the ‘Welcome to Medicare’ preventive visit,” Dr. Worthing says.

References

1. Kling JM, Clarke BL, Sandhu NP. Osteoporosis prevention, screening and treatment: A review. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2014 Jul;23(7): 562–572. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2013.4611.
2. Direct Research LLC. Medicare PSPS Master Files and Medicare 5 Percent Sample LDS SAF, analysis by Peter M. Steven, PhD.
3. McAdam-Marx C, Unni S, Ye X, et al. Effect of Medicare reimbursement reduction for imaging services on osteoporosis screening rates. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2012 Mar; 60(3):511–516.
4. Burge R, Dawson-Hughes B, Solomon DH, et al. Incidence and economic burden of osteoporosis-related fractures in the United States, 2005–2025. J Bone Miner Res. 2007 Mar;22(3):466–475.

Kelly April Tyrrell writes about health, science and health policy. She lives in Madison, Wis.