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Women who receive DXA Scans should request a copy of their bone density results

Newswise — Sending bone density results directly to patients increases the likelihood that they will seek treatment and is a preferred method of physicians for communicating results, according to research presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston, Mass.

DXA scans, commonly called bone density tests, are a way of determining if a patient has low bone mass, and is at increased risk for fracture. Bone density tests are often used for diagnosis and following the progression of osteoporosis, a disease that weakens the bones and makes them prone to fracture.

Osteoporosis affects an estimated eight million women and two million men in the Untied States.

Studies show that many patients who are diagnosed with osteoporosis never receive treatment, and some are not even notified of their results.

Researchers followed 370 women as a part of a four-year study. The participants were divided into two groups. The first group received a copy of their bone density results and information about osteoporosis prevention directly from the testing facility, while the second group received a letter asking them to follow up with their physicians.

In addition to following the participants, a survey was sent to 308 physicians who ordered at least four DXA scans to obtain feedback regarding the delivery of test results.

At the three to six-month follow-up, of those women identified by their bone density studies as having osteoporosis, 13 out of 14 who received their bone scan results directly from the testing center were taking prescription medication for osteoporosis. Only 8 out of 14 of those who received a letter requesting them to follow up with their physicians were taking prescription medication to treat osteoporosis.

Of the physicians who responded to the survey regarding test results delivery, ninety-six percent agreed that sending results directly to patients would increase the likelihood of patients seeking treatment. Eighty-five percent said patients would be more likely to discuss their test results with their physician if they received them directly.

“This study indicates that patients who are sent the results of tests are more likely to communicate with their providers and start appropriate therapy, said researchers Edward S. Leib, MD; professor, University of Vermont College of Medicine; director, The Osteoporosis Center, Fletcher Allen Health Care Ambulatory Care Center 5E and Teresa Fama, MD, MS; fellow, rheumatology, University of Vermont College of Medicine. “Despite concerns that patients who receive such results might misinterpret the findings, this study demonstrates that physicians did not object to findings being sent directly to patients and, that by having this done, it would likely encourage better communication with patients.”

This study may have wider implications than just for bone density studies and this method of sending results directly to patients might be useful and acceptable for other types of testing results.