title: Using mobile DXA to improve access to osteoporosis care: unit design, program development, implementation, and outcomes.
abstract: Osteoporosis diagnosis and monitoring is best accomplished with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), but technology availability can hinder access to care. We designed a mobile DXA program incorporating a Hologic Delphi-C trade mark bone densitometer housed in a specially configured 30-ft Winnebago trade mark. The mobile DXA program provided osteoporosis testing and education at the convenience of the patient's primary care site within our rural health care system. DXA results were sent electronically to the patient's physician within 48-72 h. The mobile DXA patient group tended to be older and at high risk for future fracture. The service provided was rated as excellent by patients. Given the volume of patients studied, the program was financially self-sustaining. Other healthcare systems or groups should consider development of a similar program.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA 17822-1341, USA. enewman@geisinger.edu
authors.forename: Eric D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.forename: Thomas P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Olenginski
authors.forename: James L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Perruquet
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hummel
authors.forename: Cathey
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Indeck
authors.forename: G Craig
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Wood
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008952:Mobile Health Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000175:diagnosis; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration