In an effort to protect patient access to osteoporosis testing, lawmakers have introduced the Medicare Fracture Prevention and Osteoporosis Testing Act of 2009 to reverse the cuts in Medicare for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Sens. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, introduced the Senate version, S. 769, and Reps. Shelley Berkley, D-N.V., and Michael Burgess, R-Texas, introduced the House version, H.R. 1894.

The DXA Task Force--comprised of the National Osteoporosis Foundation, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Rheumatology, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, International Society for Clinical Densitometry and the Endocrine Society--is urging Congress to pass the legislation.

Outside the hospital setting, Medicare reimbursement for DXA has been reduced to levels substantially below the cost to perform the procedure. As a result, many physicians and clinics around the country are discontinuing this necessary health service--greatly limiting the public's access to the test and jeopardizing patients' quality of healthcare, according to the task force.

"The utilization of DXA testing is one of the best ways we have to help prevent osteoporosis-related fractures, which are costly and can be devastating to the overall health of older patients," said Berkley. "As someone who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, I want all Americans to have access to these tests."

The DXA Task Force said that the legislation builds on federal initiatives already in place that support fracture prevention efforts and improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, including recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the 2004 Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis and inclusion of bone density testing in the Welcome to Medicare exam.