Blossom OB/GYN & Infertility, P.A.

Frequently Asked Questions

THERMACHOICE Endometrial Ablation

Procedure Description:

What To Expect:
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that uses a lighted viewing instrument (hysteroscope) and other instruments to destroy (ablate) the uterine lining, or endometrium. Endometrial ablation can be done by:

Heat (thermal ablation), using:
Radiofrequency.
A balloon filled with saline solution that has been heated to 85 °C(185 °F) (thermal balloon ablation).
Electricity, using a resectoscope with a loop or rolling ball electrode.
Freezing.

The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents uterine bleeding.

Preprocedure:
How is excessive bleeding evaluated?
In order to find the cause of bleeding and determine the right treatment for you, Dr. Chorness will perform tests to provide information about the lining of your uterus and determine a complete history. These tests may include:

Sonograms
Biopsy
Hysteroscopy
Pap Smear

Postprocedure:
Can I get pregnant after the treatment?
No. This procedure is a permanent and irreversible form of sterilization. This procedure is not for those who desire future fertility.

What will I feel after the procedure?
You may feel mild or moderate cramping, like a menstrual period. If needed, you may receive a medication to make you more comfortable. You will be in the recovery room for approximately 1 - 4 hours. Be sure to make arrangements for someone to drive you home and where you can rest for the remainder of the day.

What can I expect after I go home?
Most women can return to work and family commitments by the next day. Sexual activity may be resumed after your first check-up, usually 7 - 10 days. Most patients have a pinkish discharge for about 2 - 4 weeks. In some cases, the first few periods after the procedure continue to be heavy, but will improve thereafter.

NOVASURE Endometrial Ablation

Procedure Description:
Prevention of Uterine Bleeding

What To Expect:
What To Expect:
Endometrial ablation is a procedure that uses a lighted viewing instrument (hysteroscope) and other instruments to destroy (ablate) the uterine lining, or endometrium. Endometrial ablation can be done by:

Heat (thermal ablation), using:
Radiofrequency.
A balloon filled with saline solution that has been heated to 85 °C(185 °F) (thermal balloon ablation).
Electricity, using a resectoscope with a loop or rolling ball electrode.
Freezing.

The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents uterine bleeding.

Meet the Staff
Erica Brown

Erica is the front office receptionist. She will be the first face you see when visiting at Blossom. Erica has additional duties such as medical records requests, assisting with referrals, answers incoming phones and scheduling appointments. If you have any questions for Erica regarding these areas
please feel free to contact her at blossomstaff@gmail.com.

Jan Hall-Plastry

Jan joins us with diversified experience in the medical field for 30 years. She works with Dr. Chorness in the clinical area of the office. Jan was born in Greenville, SC and moved to Maine shortly after. She returned to Greenville in Fall 2006 to be closer to family. Jan is married and has
one son. Jan enjoys being with her pets and family and thoroughly enjoys antiques. If you need to contact Jan for any medical questions or
medication refills, you may email her at blossomnurse@blossomobgyn.com.

Brandy Masters

Brandy is a CNA and is currently the Patient Services Representative at Blossom OB/GYN. Brandy is married with two children. She has several years experience in the medical field including medical billing and coding. Brandy performs a variety of roles at Blossom. She works with insurance
companies to verify benefits and financial responsibility issues. She also schedules surgery, office procedures, and will guide you through your pre-operative appointments. She also works one on one with our OB patients to go over all insurance benefits and sets up payment arrangements for OB
deposits. Please feel free to contact her on any issues relating to your financial services by calling her at 864-662-5000 Ext 109 or email at
patientservices@blossomobgyn.com.

Maria Wardrup

Maria is a CMA, CMOM and is currently the Patient Accounts Representative at Blossom OB/GYN. She graduated from King's College in Charlotte, NC in 1993 given her 16 years of medical experience. Maria has currently been working for Blossom OB/GYN since October 2008. She works closely
with patient's insurance companies for verification of benefits, schedules surgery, office procedures, pre-operative appointments, charge entry, accounts receivables, and other office duties. She is available to answer any questions you have regarding payments or charges on your account.
Please call her at 864-662-5000 Ext 114 or email at patientaccounts@blossomobgyn.com

Melanie Clement, RNC

Melanie is a 1995 graduate of Greenville Tech Nursing School. She worked as an operating nurse for two years on the Trauma team. In 1997 she joined St. Francis Women?s Hospital in Labor/Delivery Recovery Post-Partum where she works in Hospital Grief Counseling, Staff & Charge Nurse
duties. Melanie is certified in perinatal grief counseling and has just completed testing for Inpatient OB Certification. Melanie has been married for 21 years and has four children. She loves traveling, interior decorating and shopping.

Quest Diagnostics

All of our lab work goes through Quest Diagnostics. Christy is our Quest technician that runs our lab, collecting specimens such as drawing blood, urinalysis, and such. If you have any questions regarding your charges or services through Quest please contact the number on your Quest billing
statement.

Natural Bio-Equivalent Hormones

WHAT ARE NATURAL BIO-EQUIVALENT HORMONES?

Natural bio-Equivalent Hormones indicates that these hormones are chemically structured to be equivalent to the hormones that your own body produces.

WHAT HORMONES SHOULD I TAKE?

Women naturally produce estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Most women will have these hormones replaced with natural bio-equivalent pellets to achieve balance again.

HOW ARE MY HORMONE LEVELS DETERMINED?

The patient gives detailed history both personal and familial. A simple exam of the patient is done. Blood is then taken. From this a determination is made as to the dosage you need to re-balance your hormones.

HOW ARE THE HORMONES ADMINISTERED?

RECENT MEDICAL DATA ON HORMONE REPLACEMENT

Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, begin to diminish as we age. The most frequent complaints are tiredness, less energy, and poor sleep. However, there are a whole host of other symptoms: decreased sex drive, hot flashes, night swears, vaginal dryness, dry skin, anxiety, mood swings, headaches, weight gain, restless leg syndrome, depression, memory loss, painful intercourse, palpitations, irregular menstruation, hair loss, food cravings, irritability, painful joints, loss of muscle mass, loss of pubic hair, and osteoporosis.

These symptoms may be caused by lack of one or more of the sex hormones. For example, foggy thinking may result from low estrogen and/or progesterone and/or testosterone. When these hormones are in balance we function better.

Menopause is much more than just not having a period. Menopause begins when the level of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), a pituitary hormone, goes up whether she is menstruation or not. This can be a scary time. Women may have significant hot flushes and increased sexual dysfunction, as well as depressive symptoms which can cause psychosocial impairment. Women
worry about what life will be like after menopause. Will my mood change? Will I be able to enjoy life? The answer is to maintain the natural hormones.

The commonly used synthetic conjugated estrogen for menopausal symptoms has inherent problems, namely an increased incidence of breast and cervical cancer, blood clots and heart disease as noted by the Womens Health Initiative. This study enrolled over 16,000 women who were taking synthetic conjugated estrogens. The study was designed for 7 years but was
stopped after 2 years for ethical reasons. The erroneous assumptions of this study implied that ALL estrogens given with progestin or progesterone produce an increase in breast cancer. Oral hormone replacement therapy cannot produce normal, steady physiologic levels of estrogen and maintain the physiologic ratio of estradiol to estrone 2:1.(3) Since most women in the USA now know of the health risks associated with synthetic hormones many are looking for a safe natural alternative.

Bio-equivalent hormone replacement is safe.

When a diagnosis of lack of hormones is made by history blood is drawn for further confirmation. Generally a panel is ordered for FSH, TSH, progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, perhaps B12 and a CBC. A bone density study is also good to have as well as a current pap and mammogram.

The physician determines the deficiencies and makes a recommendation based on the history the patient gives, the physical exam and the results of the blood tests. For women the FSH is often elevated and the estradiol is low. The testosterone is low and maybe the B12. Very often the progesterone will be low.

Every question is answered and the possible side effects are discussed. Women are told they may develop acne usually very mild if at all. They may have spotting if they are menopausal. This is why progesterone is given daily to prevent bleeding. Patients are told they could develop more facial hair than usual. Again, this is very unusual.

Some physicians give progesterone to all women. Females who have had a hysterectomy may not need progesterone. All women with a uterus who are given estradiol will need progesterone at bedtime either cyclically for those having periods or continuously for menopausal patients.

Our Services

Beyond the aspects of Obstetric & Gynecology care, Dr. Chorness and the staff at Blossom Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility offer the following additional services:

1. DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), also know as a Bone Mineral Density Scan.

2. ATS (Advanced Therapy Solutions), a physical therapy office which is located right next door to Blossom to facilitate healing from acute and chronic pain.

www.advancedtherapysolutions.com

3. Nutritional Services and Vitamin Supplements

www.clinicians-choice.com

4. In office Gynecological and Obstetric Ultrasounds.

5. In office treatment of bleeding abnormalities, also known as Endometrial Ablation.

www.jnjgateway.com
www.novasure.com

6. In office treatment of Pap Smear abnormalties.

7. In office sterilization techniques, also known as Essure.

www.essure.com

8. In office placement of IUD's.

www.mirena-us.com

9. Management of Bioidentical hormones.

www.apothecarerx.com

You can also find more information at American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists at
www.acog.com

FAQ's - Obstetrics

OB Questions

Are home pregnancy tests accurate or should I come in for a pregnancy test?

In recent years, home pregnancy tests have become very reliable when they are used at least one week after your missed period. Follow the instructions carefully. If you find you are pregnant, call our office to schedule your first obstetrical visit.

When should I schedule my first OB visit once I discover I am pregnant?

You should schedule your first visit eight weeks to 10 weeks after your last period. Call for an appointment as soon as you know you are pregnant so that your first visit occurs at 8 to 10 weeks. You will be asked the date of your last period, so an appointment can be scheduled at the right time.

What should I do about bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy?

Some spotting or bleeding is experienced in one-third of pregnancies during the first trimester. Spotting after a cervical exam is normal. This occurs because your cervix is fragile and spotting should stop in 24 hours to 48 hours. If you have cramping and pain, or the flow is like a period, call our office.

When can I expect to feel my baby moving?

The first movement of your baby is called "quickening." It may feel like fluttering or gas bubbles. It usually occurs between 16 weeks and 22 weeks of pregnancy. Women who are pregnant for the first time usually experience quickening later than women who have had previous pregnancies.

How often should I expect to feel my baby move?

After 32 weeks, your baby will move about 10 times an hour during active hours. To check your baby's movements, eat or drink something, lie down and feel your stomach for movement. If you are not able to feel any movement within one hour, call your doctor, nurse practitioner or certified nurse-midwife.

What if I am exposed to chicken pox or some other illness while I am pregnant?

Generally, it is not necessary to call the office if you have been exposed to the common cold or stomach flu. Other illnesses, such as chicken pox, measles, mumps or fifth disease (caused by a virus; can be dangerous if a mother passes it on to her baby), require a call. If you have been exposed to any illness and are concerned, call for advice.

Why are iron and folic acid so important during pregnancy?

Iron is necessary to make hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying part of the blood. Iron is in high demand because the amount of blood in your body increases by 50 percent during pregnancy. The recommended intake of iron during pregnancy is 30 milligrams per day. Adequate amounts of folic acid are important to prevent spinal cord defects. The recommended intake of folic acid is 600
micrograms per day.

Is it safe to color my hair, have a permanent or tan during pregnancy?

Coloring or perming your hair is safe during pregnancy; however, it is common for the permanent not to take during pregnancy.

While you are pregnant, do not tan on a tanning bed or outside. Your skin is more sensitive to the sun during pregnancy and you will burn more easily. If your leisure activities or job take you out in the sun, wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water to keep from getting dehydrated.

Should I avoid painting?

You may use latex paints; make sure the area you are painting is well ventilated.

Is it safe to travel during pregnancy?

In general, it is safe to travel during pregnancy. You may fly up to four weeks before your baby is due. After 34 weeks of gestation, Dr. Chorness recommends staying within one hour of the hospital where you are planning to deliver.

Are baths, whirlpools, hot tubs and saunas safe during pregnancy?

It is safe to take a warm bath while you are pregnant. Avoid using hot water. Do not use whirlpools, hot tubs or saunas until after your baby is born.

How much exercise is safe during pregnancy?

Stretching and pregnancy workout programs offered in the community or on tape are appropriate. You may continue your regular exercise routine as long as you do not experience bleeding. Keep your heart rate below 140. Avoid exercises aimed at strengthening your stomach muscles. A good
measure of intensity is whether you can talk while exercising. If you cannot, it is probably
too intense.

Is it OK to continue having sex?

Intercourse is safe during pregnancy unless you are bleeding or Dr. Chorness has told you to avoid it. Reasons it may be recommended to abstain from intercourse are history of premature labor or preterm birth. If you have questions, call the office.

I have had problems with constipation during my pregnancy. What can I do?

Constipation is common during pregnancy. To treat and prevent constipation, make sure you are drinking eight glasses to 10 glasses of water a day. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. A fiber supplement, such as Metamucil®, may be helpful. Daily exercise is also important for treating and preventing constipation.

I have hemorrhoids. How can I treat them?

Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy and can cause much discomfort. To treat hemorrhoids, make sure you drink plenty of water and eat a diet high in fiber. This will help to soften stools. You also may use a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil®, to help prevent hemorrhoids.

Other hemorrhoid treatments: Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes to 30 minutes, several times a day or as needed to reduce swelling and discomfort. Take baths in warm water a few times
each day. Use over-the-counter medications such as suppositories, witch hazel pads, Tucks®
Pads or hemorrhoid ointments. Rest in bed with hips and legs elevated. This will reduce some of the pressure the baby is putting on the hemorrhoids and help reduce swelling and discomfort. Move around to shift the weight of your uterus off these veins.

Do you perform VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) deliveries?

Dr. Chorness can only perform VBAC deliveries on a very careful selection of her patients. She will review the medical history of each patient, have a prolonged discussion, including risks and benefits of the VBAC procedure. Dr. Chorness will also use guidelines set by the American College of
Obstetric & Gynecolgy.

FAQ's - Gynecology

Why do I need a pap smear?

The pap smear is a way of detecting abnormal cell changes in the cervix. These changes can indicate infections, the presence of sexually transmitted diseases, and, most importantly, cervical cancer. The test should be conducted annually upon age 18 or within six months after becoming sexually active.

A pap smear is a simple procedure performed during your annual exam. Cells are taken from several areas of the cervix and is an excellent screening test for certain Gyn conditions. These cells are then smeared on a slide and sent to a lab to be studied under a microscope.

Since the development of the pap smear, fewer women die from cervical cancer because yearly pap smears may detect abnormal cell changes long before they turn into cancer. Luckily, if a problem is caught before it spreads beyond the cervix, treatment is safe and usually effective.

HPV Vaccine

Please be advised that our office will no longer provide the HPV/Gardisil vaccination.

PASSPORT HEALTH is our provider of choice for further follow-up to these services.

Contact information:

Passport Health
38 Boland Court
Greenville, SC 29615
864-620-8154

www.passporthealthsc.com

Please ask our staff for your HPV/Gardisil referral and immunization record.

MERCK Vaccine Patient Assistance Program

This program is avaialble in the private medical community only and not in public health settings. Patients may qualify if:

...they are residents of the U.S.
...age 19 years and older
...do NOT have health insurance
...and cannot afford to pay for the vaccination.

You may qualify if you have a household income of $19,600 or less for individuals or $26,400 or less for couples. Income levels may vary for larger households.

A "Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program Application" must be completed and signed by the patient and the doctor, nurse practioner, or physician assistant. The two page application is faxed by the health care provider to the Merck program for approval. Merck will grant assistance via a return fax to the health provider with confirmation that Merck will replace doses of vaccine administered to approved patients via quarterly shipments to the licensed prescriber.

For more information contact Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program at 1-800-293-3881 or http://www.merckhelps.com

ESSURE: Permanent Birth Control

Thinking of Permanent Birth Control? Think of Essure.

* Is your family complete?

* Have you or your partner considered more permanent forms of birth controls such as having your tubes tied or a vasectomy?

* Are you unhappy with your current method of Birth Control?

What are the benefits of Essure?

** The procedure can be performed in your doctor?s office without general anesthesia .
** No incisions are required
** Can be performed without general anesthesia
** Essure does not contain hormones
** Very effective
Follow Up: 1 year Effectiveness: 99.93%
Follow Up: 2 years Effectiveness: 99.86%
Follow Up: 3 years Effectiveness: 99.80%

The Essure Procedure

The Essure procedure is a non-incisional surgical procedure that involves placing a small, flexible device called a micro-insert into each of your fallopian tubes (the tubes your eggs travel through from your ovaries to your uterus) The micro-inserts are made from polyester fibers and metals (nickel-titanium and stainless steel). These materials have been studied and used in the heart and other parts of the human body for many years. Once the micro-inserts are in place, over a three month period your body tissue grows into the micro inserts, blocking the fallopian tubes. Blocking the tubes is intended to prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg, thereby preventing pregnancy.

After 3 months, Dr. Chorness will perform an Essure Confirmation Test, which is called a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), a special type of x-ray to confirm that your tubes are completely blocked and you can rely on the Essure micro-inserts for birth control.

Rapid Recovery

** Women are typically discharged from the medical facility 45 minutes after the procedure.

** Almost all employed women who participated in the second Essure study resumed work in 24 hours or less after the day of the procedure.

** The majority of women returned to normal activities in 1-2 days.

** Almost all women rated their comfort as "good" to "excellent" within 1 week of the procedure.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

* The procedure should be considered irreversible.
* Like all methods of birth control, Essure should not be considered 100% effective.
* Not all women who undergo the Essure placement procedure will achieve successful placement
of both micro-inserts.
* Patients must use another method of birth control for at least 3 months after the procedure.
* The Essure procedure is newer than other procedures.
* Removal of the Essure micro-inserts requires surgery.
* As with all procedures, there are risks associated with Essure.

For more information:

www.essure.com

IMPLANON: Implantable Contraception

Discover implantable contraception

IMPLANON is a small, thin, implantable hormonal contraceptive that is effective for up to three years. It is a progestrin-only method of birth control and does not contain estrogen. IMPLANON does not contain latex or silicone and will not dissolve.

** The most important way IMPLANON prevents pregnancy is by stopping the release of an egg      from your ovary.
** IMPLANON also thickens the cervical mucus, which acts as a barrier to prevent sperm
     from fertilizing an egg.

Effectiveness:

* IMPLANON? is more than 99% effective: the chance of getting pregnant is less than 1   pregnancy per 100 women who use IMPLANON?.

Discreet

* Most women can?t see IMPLANON? after insertion.

Long-acting

* One IMPLANON? provides up to 3 full years of contraceptive protection

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

** IMPLANON must be removed by the end of the third year and may be replaced with a new         IMPLANON.
** IMPLANON may be less effective in women who are very overweight or are taking certain types of medications.

Reversible

Once IMPLANON? is successfully removed, your ability to get pregnant usually returns quickly. Some women have become pregnant within days after removal of IMPLANON?.

After removal, if you do not want to become pregnant, you should start another birth control method right away.

FAQ's

How is IMPLANON? inserted?

IMPLANON insertion should be a minor procedure that is performed in the office by Dr. Chorness. The entire procedure is done using a local anesthetic and generally takes a few minutes.

Is it okay to leave IMPLANON in my arm for 3 years?

IMPLANON is made of a medical material that can be left in your body for up to 3 years. However, IMPLANON must be removed by the end of the third year and can be replaced by a new IMPLANON? if continued contraceptive protection is needed.

Will I feel IMPLANON being inserted?

Some women may feel a pinch, similar to a shot or injection, when IMPLANON is inserted. A local anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort. After the insertion, you may feel some mild soreness or tenderness at the insertion site. It shouldn?t last more than a day or two and shouldn?t interfere with your usual activities.

What if I want to become pregnant?

Once IMPLANON is successfully removed, your ability to get pregnant usually returns quickly. Some women have become pregnant within days after removal of IMPLANON.

What do I have to do when it is time to have IMPLANON removed?

You must schedule an appointment and have IMPLANON removed no later than 3 years after the date of insertion. Although IMPLANON? is designed to last up to 3 years, your healthcare provider can remove it at any time. When IMPLANON? is inserted, Dr. Chorness will give you a User Card that lists the date of insertion and expected date of removal. Keep this card at home with your other important health records.

How will my bleeding change?

Expect your menstrual periods to be irregular and unpredictable throughout the time you are using IMPLANON. You may have more bleeding, less bleeding, or no bleeding. The time between periods may vary, and, in between periods, you may have spotting.

Will IMPLANON be covered by insurance?

IMPLANON may be covered by your insurance plan. To determine if you have coverage, you should call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. Ask if IMPLANON is covered under your policy. You may need to explain that IMPLANON is an implantable contraceptive. You may also be asked to provide the billing code for IMPLANON. You can ask the Insurance/Billing Department If IMPLANON is covered, ask the customer service representative to send verification of coverage to Dr. Chorness' office.

For more information:

www.implanon-usa.com

Bone Mineral Density Testing

Blossom is happy to announce that we have the ability to do Bone Mineral Density Testing in our office. We have purchased a Lunar BMD Machine which is produced by GE.

Appointments are available on Thursdays and Friday's. Please contact our office to set up your Bone Mineral Density testing today.

WHAT IS A BONE DENSITY TEST?
A bone density test uses special X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals ? collectively known as bone mineral content ? are packed into a segment of bone. The higher your mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they are and the less likely they are to break. Doctors use a bone density test to determine if you have, or are at risk of, osteoporosis.

Bone density tests are not the same as bone scans. Bone scans require an injection beforehand and are usually used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone.

WHO SHOULD HAVE A BONE DENSITY TEST?

* You're a woman age 65 or older
* You're 60 and at increased risk of osteoporosis

The older you get, the higher your risk of osteoporosis because your bones become weaker as you age. Your race also makes a difference. You're at greatest risk of osteoporosis if you're white or of Southeast Asian descent. Black and Hispanic men and women have a lower but still significant risk. Other risk factors for osteoporosis include low body weight, a personal history of fractures, a family history of osteoporosis and using certain medications that can cause bone loss.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A BONE DENSITY TEST?

Bone density tests are easy, fast and painless. Virtually no preparation is needed. In fact, some simple versions of the bone density tests can be done at your local pharmacy or drugstore.

If you're having the test done at a medical center or hospital, be sure to tell your doctor beforehand if you've had recent oral contrast or nuclear medicine tests. These tests require an injection of radioactive tracers that might interfere with your bone density test.

HOW IS A BONE DENSITY TEST DONE?

Bone density tests are usually done on bones that are most likely to break because of osteoporosis. These sites include the lumbar vertebrae, which are in the lower region of your spine, the narrow neck of your femur bone adjoining the hip, and the bones of your wrist and forearm.

The equipment for bone density tests includes large machines on which you can lie down (central devices) as well as smaller, portable machines that measure bone density on the periphery of your skeleton, such as in your finger, wrist or heel (peripheral devices).

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF THE BONE DENSITY TEST?

The results of your bone density test are reported in two numbers: T-scores and Z-scores.

T-score
Your T-score is your bone density compared with what is normally expected in a healthy young adult of your sex. Your T-score is the number of units that your bone density is above or below the standard.

T-score: What your score means

Above -1: Your bone density is considered normal.
Between -1 and -2.5: Your score is a sign of osteopenia, a condition in which bone density is below normal and may lead to osteoporosis.
Below -2.5: Your bone density indicates you have osteoporosis.

Keep in mind that these scores apply mostly to white postmenopausal women, who tend to have lower bone density as compared with other racial groups and men. Interpretations may vary if you're a woman of color or a man.

Z-score
Your Z-score is the number of standard deviations above or below what's normally expected for someone of your age, sex, weight, and ethnic or racial origin. This is helpful because it may suggest you have a secondary form of osteoporosis through which something other than aging is causing abnormal bone loss. A Z-score less than -1.5 might indicate these other factors are to blame. Your doctor would then try to determine if there's any underlying cause for the low bone mass. If he or she can identify a cause, that condition can often be treated and the bone loss slowed or stopped.

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS?

Bone density testing is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and is a fairly accurate predictor of your risk of fractures. Significant differences in the various testing methods do exist, however. Central devices are more accurate.

Not all health insurance plans cover bone density tests, so ask your insurance provider whether it provides coverage that applies to your situation. Medicare pays for bone density tests only in the following instances:

* If you're postmenopausal and at risk of osteoporosis
* If you have primary hyperparathyroidism
* If you have certain spinal abnormalities that might indicate a fracture
* If you're on long-term corticosteroid therapy, such as prednisone
* If your doctor wants to assess your response to osteoporosis medications

A bone density test can confirm that you have low bone density, but it can't tell you why. To answer that question, you need a complete medical evaluation, including a history and physical. This information can help Dr. Chorness interpret the results of the bone density test.

Printable View