AMA adopts policy to improve osteoporosis

CHICAGO - At the Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates, physicians and medical students adopted policy to strengthen osteoporosis awareness and advocate for expanded insurance coverage of evidence-based osteoporosis screening and treatment.

The policy supports healthy aging by addressing a disease that affects an estimated 10 million Americans (PDF) and can lead to debilitating fractures, loss of mobility, and reduced independence. Another 44 million Americans have low bone density, increasing their risk of developing osteoporosis.

Under the new policy, the AMA will support physician education efforts focused on bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. The policy also aims to boost patient awareness of the disease and highlight the steps people can take to maintain bone health as they age. These include staying physically active, maintaining good nutrition, seeking recommended screening, and talking with a physician about individual risk factors.

"Helping patients stay healthy and independent as they age is one of the most important things we do as physicians," said AMA Trustee Sheila Rege, MD. "Osteoporosis often develops silently, and many people don't realize they have it until they have broken a bone. As a cancer physician, I have seen how certain medications and cancer treatments can increase the risk of bone loss and fractures. By raising awareness and helping physicians recognize osteoporosis risk earlier, we can help more patients remain strong and active as they get older."

The new policy builds on existing AMA policy aimed at improving osteoporosis prevention and care. The AMA has long supported the use of bone density testing, together with clinical evaluation, to assess fracture risk and diagnose osteoporosis. The AMA also advocates for insurance coverage for bone density testing for patients at increased risk of osteoporosis.

Current recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) support osteoporosis screening in women aged 65 and older and in postmenopausal women under the age of 65 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis. Early detection of osteoporosis through screening can help identify bone loss before a fracture occurs, allowing patients to receive appropriate treatment and reduce their risk of future fractures. The USPSTF found that there is not enough evidence to determine whether routine osteoporosis screening in men helps prevent bone fractures.

Regular exercise plays a vital role in maintaining bone health. Strength-building and weight-bearing activities can help keep bones strong and support mobility as people age. Good nutrition is also important for bone health, including consuming foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. Avoiding tobacco use and limiting excessive alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.