Talk to Your Patients About Osteoporosis After Fragility Fractures

  • July 6, 2023

    According to the World Health Organization, musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to disability. Despite this, less than 1 in 4 women aged 67 years or older with an osteoporosis-related fracture gets their bone density measured or begins osteoporosis treatment.

    The osteoporosis management in women who had a fracture (OMW) HEDIS® measure assesses women 67–85 years of age who suffered a fracture and had either a bone mineral density test or received a prescription to treat osteoporosis within six months of the fracture.

    Low-impact or "fragility" fractures are fractures caused by a degree of trauma not expected to cause a fracture, such as a fall from standing height or lower. A fragility fracture in the absence of other bone disorders is considered diagnostic for osteoporosis. A post-fracture dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is important for future comparison and monitoring of treatment progress.

    Review the OMW tip sheet to learn more about this measure, including information about exclusions and best practices.

    Sources:

    • Musculoskeletal health (who.int)
    • American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis—2020 Update. https://doi.org/10.4158/GL-2020-0524SUPPL.

    Healthcare Effectiveness Data Information Set (HEDIS ®) is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

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