During National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month in May, be sure to assess women 67 to 85 years of age who suffered a fracture and who had either a bone mineral density (BMD) test or a prescription for a drug to treat osteoporosis in the six months after the fracture. Osteoporosis Management in Women who had a Fracture (OMW) is a HEDIS® star measure. Here are some tips to help close gaps in care:
- Ask all female patients 67 to 85 years of age if they’ve had a fracture since their last visit.
- Consider writing a prescription for osteoporosis medication at time of fracture.
- If patients are unable or unwilling to have a BMD test, prescribe osteoporosis medications, if appropriate.
- Place a reminder in the patient’s chart for a BMD test.
- Partner with your EmblemHealth or ConnectiCare relationship manager to offer in-home BMD screening assessments.
- Use telehealth visits to review, document, and prescribe medication, when appropriate.
- Educate patients on safety and fall prevention.