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Endocrinology Center: Bone Health

The Bone Health Center at Mercy, a division of The Center for Endocrinology at Mercy, offers osteoporosis prevention and treatment and state-of-the-art bone density testing.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, which literally means "porous bones", is a common condition, largely under diagnosed and under treated. It is a progressive disease in which bones gradually lose their store of calcium. Loss of calcium makes bones brittle and break easily. It occurs in both men and women but is particularly common in women after menopause. Osteoporosis is known as the "silent disease" because it has no early warning signs. It is important for patients who are in their mid-life to be monitored for risk of developing osteoporosis.

The Bone Health Center at Mercy, a division of The Center for Endocrinology at Mercy, offers patients comprehensive treatment plans for bone health issues, provides the state-of-the-art diagnostic testing necessary to diagnose risk for osteoporosis and has dedicated physicians with the clinical expertise needed to interpret the test results.

A bone density evaluation is one of the most effective ways a physician evaluates bone strength and risk for osteoporosis. Consuming milk, cheese and other dairy products, taking daily calcium supplements and exercising to keep physically fit are important; however, patients still may be at risk for osteoporosis. In addition to on-site testing, referrals to orthopedic specialists, physical therapists and healthcare providers affiliated with Mercy Medical Center are available to patients.

For more information, the following external link to the National Osteoporosis Foundation is provided for your convenience:
http://www.nof.org/

Bone Density Testing

A DEXA Scan is performed to help diagnose osteoporosis or to see if there is an increased risk for this disease. The DEXA test is highly sensitive, comprehensive, and very accurate. These tests are considered the "gold standard" in determining bone health.

The test is easy to take; patients lie down on the DEXA table while the scanner performs the test, which is completed in just a few minutes. The test result is called a T-score. This T-score compares the patient’s bone mass with a population of normal young adult women. A T-score above -1.0 is considered normal. Any score less than -1.0 indicates that the patient should consult with a physician about the best course of treatment based on personal risk factors.

To schedule a DEXA Scan call, 410-332-9777.

Now Accepting New Patients.
Most Insurances Accepted.

Please call for an appointment.
Phone: 410-332-9800
Tollfree: 1-800-MD-Mercy (1-800-636-3729)