Bone density tests are the only reliable way to diagnose osteoporosis and forecast who will have fractures due to osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation applauds HCFA and Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala for their outstanding work in developing these regulations. However, many people develop osteoporosis long before they are old enough to be insured by Medicare, and this law should be a wake-up call to all private insurers to provide coverage for these tests for all individuals at risk. Bone loss is progressive and by the time fractures occur the disease is advanced, and the likelihood of additional fractures is great. One of every five persons who has a hip fracture will not live more than one year, and half of those who recover from a hip fracture will never walk again unassisted.
Spinal fractures can cause stooped posture, collapse of the vertebrae, chronic pain and disability.
Contrary to popular belief, osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of aging, but is a preventable disease for most people. It can strike at any age. With more than 200,000 members, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the only nonprofit, voluntary health organization dedicated to reducing the widespread prevalence of osteoporosis through programs of research, education and advocacy. Copyright 1999 National Osteoporosis Foundation All Rights Reserved. Please read our legal disclaimer and privacy statement .