Age cut-off under review for MBS-funded bone density tests
Funding tests for 60-69-year-olds would improve access to early treatment, says Associate Professor Peter Wong.
Lowering the age cut-off for Medicare-funded bone mineral density tests from 70 to 60 is a potential “game changer” for preventing fractures, a leading rheumatologist says.
The Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) is preparing to consider expanded criteria for MBS items 12320 and 12322 for bone density testing, which currently apply to patients aged 70 and up without a history of fractures.
The medical director of Healthy Bones Australia, Associate Professor Peter Wong, said the move would improve both diagnosis and access to treatment.
“There are over 183,000 fractures per year in Australia and about 40% of them occur in people less than 70 years of age,” the Sydney rheumatologist said.
