Osteoporosis has no symptoms until something breaks. A bone health appointment works out your fracture risk, arranges a bone density scan if you need one, and sets out what to do about the result.
What we can help with
- Fracture risk assessment, including after a fracture from a minor fall
- Referral for a bone density (DEXA) scan
- Blood tests for the treatable causes of bone loss, including vitamin D and calcium
- Falls prevention advice, and referral for balance and strength programs
- Diet, exercise and lifestyle advice for bone strength
- Review of your medicines, including those that affect bone density
- Ongoing review once treatment has been decided
Who should be checked
Bone density testing is usually considered for women after menopause and men over 50 who have broken a bone from a minor fall, for anyone aged 70 and over, and for people with risk factors such as long-term steroid use, early menopause, rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, thyroid conditions or a parent who fractured a hip. Your doctor will tell you whether a scan is worthwhile in your case, and whether Medicare covers it for you.
After the scan
Bring the result back and your doctor will explain what it means, what your fracture risk is over the next few years, and what the options are. Treatment is decided with you at that consultation, and reviewed on a schedule so it is not set and forgotten. Bone health can be built into a chronic disease management plan.
The doctors
Bone health is managed by the doctors who work from Health Nexus, including:
- Dr John Esho – adult and internal medicine
- Dr Nalika Hendawitharana – preventive health, chronic disease
- Dr Sana Mahmud – women’s health, menopause and bone health
- Dr Asim Razak – chronic disease, preventive health
Fees and Medicare
Health Nexus Launceston is a mixed-billing practice. Children aged 12 and under are bulk billed whenever the practice is open, including evenings and weekends. Pension card holders over 65 and DVA Gold Card holders are bulk billed on weekdays between 8am and 5pm. Everyone else pays the consultation fee with the Medicare rebate claimed on the spot. The current fees are on the fees and bulk billing page.
The practice is open 8am–8pm Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm Saturday and 9am–5pm Sunday, every day of the year, and on every public holiday at the standard hours for that day.
Common questions
Where can I get a bone density scan in Launceston?
At the radiology providers in Launceston. Your GP writes the referral and you choose where to have it done; reception can tell you which providers bulk bill.
Can I claim a bone density scan on Medicare?
A rebate is available when you meet the Medicare criteria – for example being 70 or over, having had a fracture from a minor fall, or having certain conditions or long-term medicines. Your doctor will tell you whether you qualify before you go.
Do I need a referral?
Yes, a doctor's referral is needed for a bone density scan.
What does a T-score mean?
It compares your bone density with that of a healthy young adult. A T-score of −2.5 or lower is classed as osteoporosis, and between −1 and −2.5 as low bone density. Your doctor reads it alongside your age and other risk factors.
I have broken a bone – should I be tested?
If you are over 50 and broke it from a fall at standing height or less, yes. That kind of fracture is the single strongest sign of underlying osteoporosis, and it is often missed.
