Abstract
Conclusions
Bone densitometry is used in over 1000 institutions in the United States to aid in diagnosis of bone disease and to monitor bone changes with disease and therapy. The leading method (DPA) has a low radiation dose (1 mrem) and modest cost ($ 125/scan) compared with the QCT alternative (1000 mrem and $250). These methods are generally considered to be essential to basic clinical management (3, 19). Insurers have used the controversy about “screening” in a normal population without symptoms to avoid payment for medically indicated densitometry in patients with symptoms. The Southern California Bone Club has provided a guideline for medical use (Table VII). Responsible application of any densitometric method can enhance clinical control; this is particularly the case for the new x-ray absorptiometry approach that allows rapid and precise assessments hitherto impossible.
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