The mechanism of an osteoporosis center

The cost of osteoporosis to the quality of human life and well-being are immeasurable; its costs to society are significant. Osteoporosis affects approximately 20 million Americans and has been estimated by the National Osteoporosis Foundation to equal $7 to $10 billion in health care costs and productivity annually. Osteoporosis represents a major health problem. Clearly, a screening and bone maintenance program can be managed by nurses in a cost-effective manner and serves as an efficient facilitator in the education and care of patients. Furthermore, an osteoporosis center can provide invaluable support for professionals in various disciplines of medicine. In our experience at The Hospital for Special Surgery most of our patients come to our center as a result of a physician referral. An average of 600 to 800 patients are seen annually and about 15 per cent of these patients are referred from the screening program to a metabolic bone treatment source. Approximately 5 per cent of patients referred for treatment are hospitalized for an extensive evaluation which includes an iliac crest-bone biopsy. As the patient population in the Osteoporosis Center has grown there has been a recognition of special patient groups who have specific needs. This has resulted in the establishment of clinics which address the problems associated with patients who are renal stone formers, anorexic, and amenorheic (many of this latter group are athletes or dancers).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)