12323. Has it Been a Sucess?
Aim: The aim of the study was to assess whether the new BMD Medicare code has been a success in encouraging doctors to refer patients over the age of 70 for a BMD. Thus, identifying patients for treatment, which intern will decrease the number of over 70s with osteoporosis.
Method: Approximately 2000 patients over a period of 7 months (1st April-31st October) were billed as 12323 throughout our company. These patients had an AP lumbar scan and had either their left or right femoral neck scanned.
Results: Majority of the patients scanned had low bone mass when looking at the T-scores for the hip; the average T-score was -1.71(+/-1.1SD). While the average T-score when looking at lumbar spine -0.47(+/- 1.77 SD) which is classified as normal. Of the patients billed as 12323, 70% were female and overall the number of new patients having their first BMD was 72%.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that 12323 is an effective tool in detecting osteopenia and osteoporosis in those over 70. Thus, it can be suggested that doctors keep referring patients for BMD in order to reduce the onset of osteoporosis before patients have falls and end up hospitalized.