Impact of a change in physician reimbursement on bone mineral density testing in Ontario, Canada: a population-based study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

On Apr. 1, 2008, a revision was made to the fee schedule for bone mineral density testing with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the province of Ontario, Canada, reducing the frequency of repeat screening in individuals at low risk of osteoporosis. We evaluated whether the change in physician reimbursement successfully promoted appropriate bone mineral density testing, with reduced use among women at low risk and increased use among women and men at higher risk of osteoporosis-related fracture.

Methods

We analyzed data from administrative databases on physician billings, hospital discharges and emergency department visits. We included all physician claims for DXA in the province to assess patterns in bone mineral density testing from Apr. 1, 2002, to Mar.

SUBMITTER: Jaglal S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4084743 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature