Munson Healthcare is expanding access to an important need for bone density care in Northern Michigan.
Victoria Buescher, MD, an internal medicine provider at Petoskey Community Health Center – Primary Care, offers appointments dedicated to the assessment, diagnosis, and management of osteoporosis and osteopenia.
“Osteoporosis is underdiagnosed and undertreated, representing a significant care gap in the United States,” Dr. Buescher says. “Recent data indicates that 69% of individuals with osteoporosis in the United States remain undiagnosed. The goal of this clinic is to address this gap in care, helping to improve patient bone health and prevent fractures.”
Patients qualify for the bone clinic if they have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia with a DEXA scan, have had a low-energy trauma fracture diagnosed by an orthopedic provider, or have other major risk factors for low bone density such as:
- Low body weight
- History of parental hip fracture
- Previous non-traumatic vertebral fracture
- IBD
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Long term use of glucocorticoids, aromatase inhibitors, or chemotherapeutic drugs
Dr. Buescher will work with patients on their individual risk factors for low bone density, and treatment may include routine scans, along with pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment.
Bone density clinic visits are covered by insurance. Patients meeting clinical criteria can self-refer or ask their primary care providers or specialists for a referral.
Petoskey Community Health Center – Primary Care is located at 1619 Anderson Rd. To schedule a bone density clinic appointment with Dr. Buescher, please call 231-417-6000.