Are peripheral as good as central/axial measurements?

The DexaCare®G4 is patient friendly and easily accessible, even by handicapped, wheelchair, or stretcher-bound patients. It requires no special shielding or special room requirements.

The DexaCare®G4 assesses forearm bone density with optimized precision and accuracy. It was developed on the background of over 20 years of research within the field of osteoporosis. The scanner quickly, precisely and accurately detects the 8mm distance between the radius and ulna and starts the measurement from that point to 24mm proximally every single time. This area correlates to the rest of the body as far as bone density without being affected by degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis. The accuracy at this site is better than 97%--the best available by any means. The DexaCare®G4 scans are 99% reproducible.

The excellent accuracy (>97%) and in vivo precision (>99%) makes the DexaCare®G4 highly suitable for assessment of bone density and quantifiable follow-up. These numbers are equal or better than those of the central/ axial (table) systems. The DexaCare®G4 is the only system to offer the patented "new Region of Interest" for follow-up assessment. This allows you to go to a precise site at the ultra-distal end of the radius and ulna and quantifiably measure the effectiveness of your treatment regimen in as little as 6-9 months. This results in better patient compliance and a way to assess their progress, before a change can be seen in the T-score (usually 18-24 months).

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What studies are available to verify the validity and efficacy of the DexaCare®G4 system versus table systems?

"Bone Densitometry: A New, Highly Responsive Region of Interest in the Distal Forearm to Monitor the Effect of Osteoporosis Treatment" by P. Ravn, M.D., et al.

"The Use of Forearm Bone Density Measurements in the Diagnosis of Osteoporosis and Assessment of Fracture Risk" by Sydney Lou Bonnick, M.D., FACP

"Peripheral or Axial Bone Density Measurements?" by Glen M. Blake, PhD, et al

"Prevalence of Osteoporosis in Women Referred for Bone Density Testing; Utility of Multiple Skeletal Sites" by Dorothy A. Nelson, PhD et al

Other references are available upon request.

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Who should be tested for osteoporosis? I thought it was only postmenopausal women?

"Not so! Osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person's disease but it can strike at any age. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation osteoporosis is a major health threat for more than 44 million Americans. 8 million American women and 2 million men already have the disease and millions more have low bone density. Worldwide, the lifetime risk for a woman to have an osteoporotic fracture is 30-40 percent. In men the risk is about 13 percent. Osteoporosis is responsible for 1.5 million fractures annually, including 300,00 hip fractures, 700,000 vertebral fractures, 250,000 wrist fractures, and 300,000 fractures at other sites at a cost of $17 billion. A woman's risk of developing a hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer."

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

Being female, thin or small frame, advanced age, family history, anorexia or bulimia, rheumatoid arthritis, low calcium diet, inactive lifestyle, smoking, low testosterone levels in men, diabetes, excessive alcohol use, abnormal absence of menstrual periods, menopause, including surgically induced menopause, excessive use of carbonated drinks, use of corticosteroids or anticonvulsants, being Caucasian or Asian.

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Does insurance and Medicare cover bone densitometry? (USA)

Yes. The CPT code for the DexaCare®G4 is 77081. There are over 40 ICD-9 codes applicable to this code depending upon the patient diagnosis. Most insurance companies are reimbursing 70-90% of the usual and customary billable rate. Of course, fee-for-service is a viable option.

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What are the advantages of having the DexaCare®G4 bone densitometer in my office versus sending my patients to the hospital or imaging center?

There are several advantages:

First of all you can offer a valuable new service to your patients in an environment that is well known to them - your office. This will make them feel more secure as opposed to sending them to a hospital or imaging center. You will be able to give the patient a clear answer within minutes and decide whether treatment is necessary or not. You can offer your patients savings in time and money by performing the procedure in your office. Patient compliance is enhanced when they see the results immediately for themselves and can consult with you about viable treatment options. Secondly, the DexaCare®G4 will enable you to increase your practice revenue, increase referrals, and minimize your risk of losing a patient to someone else in your community who's doing the test. Studies have shown a satisfied patient refers 3.1 new patients to a practice and 30% of patients referred to another doctor don't return to their original provider.

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Who can perform the test in my office and how long does it take?

The DexaCare®G4 is operator independent, i.e. it's very easy to understand, operate and has been designed in a way that minimizes operator errors. Practically anyone can be trained in a matter of hours.

The measurement itself takes only 3 minutes. In the USA state regulations for x-ray services vary from state to state. Some states require the supervision of an x-ray technologist or physician; some states have no regulations. We can provide you with specific details for your state.

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How will the DexaCare®G4 system help my practice?

You will be able to offer your patients a valuable new service (and generate new revenue). Many patients have been with the same doctor for many years or haven't had a reason to return to their doctor. With your own DexaCare®G4 you can provide bone density testing in a convenient, safe and familiar setting. There is a strong public awareness now of osteoporosis and a desire to prevent or treat it before a patient suffers a fracture or immobility.

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Why should I be involved in osteoporosis testing? I thought by the time someone had osteoporosis, it was too late to do anything about it.

This is an old myth. While there is currently no cure for osteoporosis, there are several effective treatments and prevention methods available. The following prevention methods are recommended by the National Osteoporosis Foundation: a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, a healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol use, early bone density testing, and medications when appropriate.

Five medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis. Each of these medications slows or stops bone loss, increases bone density and reduces fracture risk. Estrogen or hormone replacement therapy (ERT/HRT), alendronate, raloxifene and risedronate may be prescribed to prevent osteoporosis. ERT/HRT, calcitonin, raloxifene, alendronate and risedronate may be prescribed to treat osteoporosis.

How do I purchase a densitometer?

Go to the "Contact Us" page, fill in the form and we will have your local dealer contact you.