Medicare Payment Cuts For Osteoporosis Testing Reduced Use Despite Tests’ Benefit In Reducing Fractures

Bone imaging known as DXA (“dexa”)—dual energy x-ray absorptiometry of the central skeleton—is considered the “gold standard” test for osteoporosis, which affects more than fifty million Americans. The tests are associated with improved clinical outcomes through preventing bone fractures. Cuts in Medicare Part B reimbursement for the provision of this preventive imaging in a physician’s office began in 2007 and reached 56 percent below the 2006 level in January 2010.

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