Appropriate Use of DXA Scans in Women Under 65 Years Who do not Meet the Risk Factor Profile for Osteoporosis

Percentage of female patients 50 to 64 years of age without select risk factors for osteoporotic fracture who received an order for a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan during the measurement period.

Date Reviewed: May 4, 2022
Do Not Support: Uncertain Validity
    Group/Practice Individual Clinician

Measure Info

MIPS 472 NQF 3475e CMS 472 NQF Endorsed
Measure Type
Process
Measure Steward
National Committee for Quality Assurance
Clinical Topic Area
Osteoporosis
Care Setting
Outpatient
Data Source
Claims
Electronic Health Records
Registry

The harms of overuse from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans are relatively low and this performance measure does not fill a performance gap. The denominator exclusion criterion does not follow current guidelines and the exclusion criterion combinations are too stringent for physicians, adding unnecessary burden. The PMC recommends clarifying the risk factor language and defining “osteoporotic fracture” more specifically.