SOSI cares about your bone health
We are offering a full consult to diagnose and treat osteoporosis
1 out of 2 women and 1 out of 4 men will break a bone due to osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is preventable and treatable.
Often there are no symptoms associated with osteoporosis until a bone fracture occurs.
SOSI is offering preventative care to screen, treat, and diagnose osteoporosis as a part of the services we offer to our Steamboat Community with our Bone Health Clinic.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become brittle and weak. This can be caused by a variety of factors that you can and cannot control.
Factors indicating the need
to check your bone health:
• If you have lost weight or are thin
• Over 50 years old
• Not getting enough Calcium or Vitamin D
• History of broken bones
• Height loss
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Inactive lifestyle
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Chronic medical illnesses or diseases
• Taking certain medications like steroids, water pills, or medication for acid reflux
What to expect at your Bone Health Clinic visit:
Your healthcare provider will take a complete health history and list of any medications and supplements you may be taking. If you have received a bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, they will review the DEXA scan and discuss the results with you. Depending on the results, you may be prescribed medication to help improve your bone density. Your healthcare provider may also order additional lab work to determine your nutritional and hormonal status that may be affecting your bone density. If you have not received a DEXA scan, your provider may order one at Yampa Valley Medical Center or Memorial Regional Hospital.
What is a DEXA scanner?
DEXA stands for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. It is an easy, painless, and non-invasive way to measure bone density.
How do I prepare for a DEXA scan?
Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers or buttons to your appointment. Then, relax and lie still during the scan.
How long does it take?
The DEXA scan takes about 15-20 minutes to perform.
Insurance coverage?
Most DEXA scans are covered by insurance plans if you are over 60 years old. We will bill the Bone Health Clinic consultation as an office visit. However, please verify your coverage with your insurance provider prior as each insurance plan is different.
How often do I need to get screened for osteoporosis?
If you start treatment for osteoporosis, you might need another DEXA scan every one to two years to see how well the treatment is working, and if any changes are needed in your treatment regimen.
If your bone density is in the osteopenia range, meaning it's low but not quite osteoporosis, you may also need to repeat DEXA scan or lab work within two to five years because bone density can decrease with age and lead to osteoporosis.
You might also need a DEXA scan sooner if your health changes in a way that could speed up bone loss, or if you have sustained an injury resulting in a fractured bone.
Learn more about our Bone Health Coordinator Bridget Mucha, NP-C