Patient FAQs

Q: Are you currently accepting new patients? (I know that Buffalo Osteoporosis is affiliated with Buffalo Rheumatology, and I’ve heard that the Rheumatology side of the practice is currently not accepting patients.)

A: Yes, Buffalo Osteoporosis is accepting new patients and we should, in most cases, be able to get a new patient in to see a practitioner within a couple of weeks at the most. And if you just need a Dexa (Bone Densitometry) Scan and have been referred to us by your Doctor, we can get you in right away.

However, it is a bit more challenging for us to get a new patient in on the Rheumatology side of the practice. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, and continue to explore options that will allow us to expand our patient care at Buffalo Rheumatology. Stay tuned for more announcements to that effect in the coming weeks!

Q: I have heard some really scary things about side effects associated with the osteoporosis drugs that they call bisphosphonates. Do your health care providers prescribe this kind of therapy for their patients?

A: Of course, our clinicians consider all of the potential risks associated with each therapy that they prescribe. And while we can appreciate that this has recently become a “hot topic” due to incidences of adverse reactions to bisphosphonates, we must also remember that the vast majority of patients on these drugs have had great success with them. Our greatest concern is that some people may avoid coming in to get a Dexa (Bone Densitometry) Scan or a consultation because of their anxiety and reluctance to begin therapy. And because they probably do not feel sick or show any symptoms, we know that is a very easy thing for people with osteoporosis risk factors to do. To these people we would like to say that the risk associated with doing nothing is far more dangerous than the risk of an adverse reaction to bisphosphonates. And you should also know that there are new therapies available now to treat osteoporosis for those patients that cannot tolerate bisphosphonates. Bottom line – for people that live with osteoporosis risk factors, doing nothing is really the most dangerous course of action when it comes to your bone health!

Q: How often should I get a Dexa Scan done?

A: Great question, but that depends (to a degree) on whether or not you are at risk and what your insurance coverage is. Most of the commercial insurance plans in Western New York cover the cost of a Dexa Scan once every two years if you have risk factors for osteoporosis. We advise you to take full advantage of this benefit if it’s available to you. Please contact your employer’s health care plan administrator and/or your insurance provider to confirm your coverage.

Q: Do I need a referral from a doctor in order to get a Dexa Scan done?

A: Not necessarily, but it might be a very good idea. If your primary care doctor or a specialist is treating your osteoporosis, then you should absolutely ask them to refer you for a Dexa Scan, and we believe that the scans and reports we give are among the best you will find anywhere. (Please be advised that YOU have the right to choose where you go to get a Dexa Scan done.) Then, once your scan is completed we will insure that your doctor has the results so that she/he can follow up with you.

However, if you currently are NOT being assessed or treated for osteoporosis, we recommend that you call us at 716-712-2663 to set up an appointment with one of our practitioners. The practitioner will then consult with you to determine whether or not a Dexa Scan is necessary. And if that is the case, they will provide the necessary referral so that you can receive the scan and be covered by your insurance.

Q: What exactly happens to me during a Dexa Scan at the Buffalo Osteoporosis Institute?

A: Receiving a Dexa (Bone Densitometry) Scan is a relatively simple, safe, and pain free experience. The process takes about 20 minutes, and you don’t even have to take your clothes off (unless you are wearing zippers or other metal objects that will interfere with the scan). You will simply be asked to lay flat on your back on the scanner table and stay still. During the test you will be exposed to a very low level of X-ray radiation (less than you would typically receive on a one-way flight from New York to Los Angeles).

Q: What is the difference between a “Bone Scan” and a “Dexa Scan,” if any?

A: You might think that these are the essentially same thing, but they are in fact very different tests. Bone Scans are nuclear medicine tests that are used to detect hidden fractures, bone cancer, infections, or other abnormalities of the bone. They are not used to diagnose osteoporosis or osteopenia.