Diagnostics
Osteoporosis
A bone density value is one part of the assessment. Previous fractures, conditions, medication and other risk factors also matter. We bring the information together and discuss which examination and next step make sense.
Open individual sections or all the details on this page.
Understanding
A closer look
An osteoporosis assessment aims to establish the state of your bone health and which next steps make sense. It brings together different pieces of information. A bone density scan may form part of this; it does not replace a doctor's assessment.
Which questions are relevant?
Have you already had fractures? Which conditions are known, and which medicines do you take? Falls and difficulties walking safely may also be important. Bring your own questions and any existing examination results.
Which examinations may be useful?
Depending on the starting point, a physical examination, a DXA bone density scan and laboratory tests may help with assessment. If there are signs of a vertebral fracture, additional imaging may be necessary. A doctor decides which steps you need.
Assessment may also include examining your muscles. BIA using the seca mBCA provides additional information about body composition. We consider this alongside strength measurements and appropriate functional tests. This allows us to assess whether loss of muscle mass and strength needs attention alongside bone health.
Further information
How does assessment differ from a DXA scan?
DXA provides a measurement of bone density. Assessment also considers what the findings mean together with your medical history. This may indicate that treatment, further investigations or follow-up are useful.
What should be clear by the end?
You should understand how the findings are interpreted, which questions remain open and which next step is recommended. Ask if terminology or the meaning of a measurement is unclear.
Who treats you in this area
Prof. Dr. med. habil. Hans-Christof Schober, Dr. med. Christoph Jährling, Björn Weidemann and Priv. Doz. Dr. med. habil. Richard Kasch look after you during assessment of your bone health.
As a member of the guideline committee, Prof. Schober contributed to the 2023 DVO osteoporosis guideline. You can find more about this in his doctor profile.
Your osteological care
Prof. Dr. med. habil. Hans-Christof Schober, Dr. med. Christoph Jährling, Björn Weidemann and Priv. Doz. Dr. med. habil. Richard Kasch provide care in this area. Prof. Schober, Dr. med. Jährling and Mr Weidemann hold the designation Osteologe DVO.
We offer DXA bone density scans at OrthoCoast as a self-funded service. Our practice does not have authorisation to bill German statutory health insurance for this examination. Before the examination, we explain the planned scope of the service and the expected costs.
If your bone density was measured at another practice within the past 18 months and osteological care was started there, we ask you to continue treatment there initially. In exceptional cases, we agree the transfer of a recently started course of care with the practice treating you. If your previous doctor has stopped practising, we can take over your ongoing care by arrangement. When making your enquiry, please tell us where you have been treated and the date of your last osteological assessment. Please also bring your previous osteological assessments. If you have acute new symptoms, do not wait for routine appointment arrangements, regardless of this policy.
What to expect and next steps
How can you prepare?
Gather existing DXA reports, medical letters, information about previous fractures and your medication plan. If records are missing, speak to the practice about this. Do not arrange additional examinations yourself solely for the appointment.
Our doctors in this specialty
Prof. Dr. med. habil.Hans-Christof Schober
Specialist in internal medicine; subspecialist in endocrinology
DVO-certified osteologist
View profile
Dr. med.Christoph Jährling
Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery
DVO-certified osteologist
View profile
Björn Weidemann
Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery
DVO-certified osteologist
View profile
Priv. Doz. Dr. med. habil.Richard Kasch
Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery
View profileThese doctors provide osteoporosis care at our practice. Together, we assess your findings and discuss which next steps suit your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book just a bone density scan?
Which examination and appointment route suit your concern needs to be clarified beforehand. A measurement already recommended by a doctor and a first comprehensive assessment may follow different processes.
What does assessment cost?
The scope depends on your question and the services needed. Costs and possible coverage are therefore clarified on the basis of the specific plan. This does not imply a general guarantee of reimbursement.
Your next step
