Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because it typically progresses without symptoms—until a fracture occurs. That first fracture can be devastating, leading to long-term disability, chronic pain, or loss of independence. Yet despite the risks, many cases of low bone density remain undiagnosed until it’s too late.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, an estimated 10 million Americans are currently living with osteoporosis, while another 44 million have low bone mass, increasing their risk for fractures. This means more than 50% of adults aged 50 and older are at risk for a potentially preventable first fracture.
Preventing First Bone Fractures – Fractures That Change Lives
Among older adults, fractures—particularly of the hip, spine, and wrist—can be life-altering. Studies show that hip fractures have one of the highest mortality rates within the first year following the incident. Even survivors often face a prolonged recovery, with many losing their ability to live independently.
The economic impact is equally significant. By 2025, the U.S. is projected to see more than 3 million osteoporotic fractures annually, with direct medical costs reaching $25.3 billion. This growing burden underscores the urgency of shifting from reactive care to proactive prevention.
A Missed Opportunity in Preventive Care
Despite being a Medicare-covered benefit, bone density screening remains widely underutilized, especially among at-risk populations. In fact, research from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showed that only about 30% of eligible women on Medicare had received a bone density test as of 2005.
Yet, this simple test can identify patients at high risk before a fracture ever happens. With early diagnosis, physicians can implement treatment strategies to slow bone loss, improve bone density, and prevent future breaks.
HEDIS and the Push for Proactive Management
The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) includes a key metric for osteoporosis: the Osteoporosis Management in Women (OMW) measure. It recommends that women aged 67 and older who suffer a fracture should receive a bone density test or appropriate treatment within six months.
This is more than a guideline—it’s an opportunity to prevent future harm. If a patient didn’t receive screening in the two years before a fracture, the six-month post-fracture window offers a final chance to act.
For medical groups and health plans, closing this “care gap” improves quality performance metrics while delivering better patient outcomes.
Technology That Brings Screening to the Patient
Thanks to advancements in medical technology, bone density screening is no longer limited to hospital-based imaging centers. BeamMed, a global leader in portable diagnostic solutions, is transforming osteoporosis prevention with its innovative ultrasound-based bone density scanners.
BeamMed’s portable devices allow physicians, clinics, HMOs, and community health organizations to screen patients on-site—whether in a traditional practice, a mobile health unit, or a local health fair. The tests are quick, painless, radiation-free, and cost-effective.
These devices not only support early detection and treatment but also enable providers to easily comply with HEDIS OMW requirements, helping close care gaps while elevating the standard of preventive medicine.
BeamMed: Advancing Preventive Care in Bone Health – First Bone Fractures
With thousands of units already in use worldwide, BeamMed bone density scanners are empowering healthcare providers to take osteoporosis screening directly to the patient—making early detection more accessible than ever before.
If your clinic, practice, or healthcare organization is ready to reduce fracture risk, improve outcomes, and meet quality care measures, BeamMed’s solutions are here to help. To learn more about BeamMed’s full line of portable bone density scanners, visit www.beammed.com or reach out to request a demo. Call 800-769-6808 or fill out the contact form.
Because the best time to prevent a fracture… is before it ever happens.
