Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Center

Specialists in Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease

The Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Center specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.

Conditions We Treat

Postmenopausal osteoporosis
Male osteoporosis
Osteopenia induced by glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants and excess thyroid hormone
Paget's disease
Hypercalcemia of malignancy
Hyperparathyroidism

Consultations

Consults may include:

State-of-the-art bone density testing
Biochemical diagnostics (including new markers of bone turnover)
Nutritional counseling
Physical therapy counseling
Informative take-home materials

Bone Density Testing

Under the direction of Dr. Harold Rosen, the Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Center at BIDMC offers patients the latest technology for osteoporosis and osteopenia screening in a personalized and comfortable environment.

Our certified Bone Density Technicians are highly skilled and trained in the clinical applications of bone mass measurement and other skeletal health assessment technologies.

A bone density test takes less than 30 minutes and is covered by most insurance plans. For more information, please contact your primary care physician. With a physician requisition, an appointment can be easily scheduled by calling 617-667-9344.

Learn more: Preparing for your bone density test »
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends bone density screening for women age 50 to 65 with one or more risk factors and for women age 65 and over regardless of other risk factors.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. It affects millions of women and men and is a leading cause of hip and vertebral fracture, loss of height and disability. If not prevented or treated, osteoporosis can progress without symptoms, yet it is easily and safely diagnosed through bone densitometry.

Preparing for your Bone Density Test

Preparation

Check with your referring doctor to see if an order has been submitted for the test. If an order has not been submitted, we may need to reschedule.
Coverage by insurance companies for Bone Density Testing varies greatly. Contact your insurance company to ensure coverage.
Notify us immediately if you have had any oral or IV contrast TWO weeks prior to your test. This can include certain radiology or nuclear medicine appointments and barium swallows.

Your Appointment

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled testing time to allow for required paperwork.
Jewelry or any metal on clothing (including zippers, buttons and underwire) will interfere with your test results. If you have metal accessories you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
Do not take a calcium supplement on the day of your test.

Cancellation Policy

Our goal is to provide Bone Density Testing in a timely manner. In order to do so, we ask that you provide at least three (3) days notice when cancelling your appointment.

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your upcoming Bone Density Test, please call 617-667-9344.