Connect
Echolight discounted by traditional providers?
I was very pleased by the Echolight evaluation I had recently. When I shared the information with my rheumatologist who manages my care, he discounted the procedure. He insisted the only measure to use is Dexa scan and recommended strong meds. Anyone else had this experience?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.
Connect
Echolight is certainly a new and interesting procedure for evaluation of osteoporosis. Where did you have this evaluation?
Central Carolina Orthopedics
Sanford, NC
919 774-1355
I hope he will look into it. Everything I read in Google was positive. Two examples:
"REMS has adequate precision and repeatability characteristics, is able to predict the risk of fragility fractures, and may be able to overcome some of the limitations of DXA.May 9, 2023" and National Institute of Health: "The REMS approach had high accuracy for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in comparison with DXA in adult women."
I have read and heard the echo light (REMS) is a better evaluation. I would suggest getting a different doctor or at least a second opinion.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsIt’s a shame that providers do this. Rather than inquire who the provider was and how to interact with them for more information, they dismiss the whole reason behind it and ask why you felt there was a reason to explore this. While DEXA’s are the gold standard, maybe they shouldn’t be? Maybe the gold standard should be the value that the test provides.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@blue4birdies It's long past time for an upgrade in diagnosis and comprehensive treatment options. I wish the MDs would all get on the same *&^% page. The most consistent thing about the diagnosis seems to be conflicting opinions.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThe AMA in 2024 has assigned a CPT (Comprehensive Procedural Terminology) code 0815T to this Echolight procedure but this code is a data collection code only and has no payment attached to it. AMA will gather data over a period of time before deciding whether to make the service permanent and payable. Until that time it’s an out of pocket cost to the patient. It looks promising but data will tell the real story and with little access across the country this data collection may take some time.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI have always read good things about REMS. Recently I read a blog by Margaret Martin, of Melio Guide that goes into detail about REMS which made me reevaluate my thoughts on paying for a REMS out of pocket. I have attached the link to in below:
https://melioguide.com/osteoporosis-prevention/rems-bone-scan/