How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Osteoporosis (Screening & Treatment Options)

Audience: adult

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and more likely to break. Preparing for a video visit about osteoporosis screening and treatment can help you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, your healthcare provider will discuss your risk factors, possible tests like bone density scans, and treatment options. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, supplements, or medications to strengthen bones. It's important to share your medical history and any symptoms you have. This guide helps you prepare questions and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for osteoporosis care. Remember, telemedicine is for education and planning, not for emergency care or detailed physical exams.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe bone pain or inability to move a limb — seek emergency care immediately.
• Signs of a broken bone such as swelling, deformity, or severe pain after a fall — get urgent medical attention.
• New symptoms like unexplained weight loss or fever with bone pain — contact your healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing osteoporosis risk factors and symptoms.
• Reviewing medical history and lifestyle habits.
• Explaining screening tests like bone density scans.
• Discussing treatment options including medications and supplements.
• Providing guidance on lifestyle changes to support bone health.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or bone density scans.
• Diagnosing fractures or other urgent bone injuries.
• Administering treatments or injections.
• Managing emergencies related to osteoporosis complications.

What Is Osteoporosis and Why Screen for It?

Osteoporosis causes bones to become thin and fragile. This raises the chance of fractures, especially in the hip, spine, and wrist. Screening helps find osteoporosis early, often before fractures happen. Common screening tests include bone density scans (DEXA). Your provider may recommend screening based on age, family history, or other risk factors like smoking or certain medications.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, gather information about your health history, including any previous fractures, medications, and lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise. Write down symptoms like bone pain or height loss. Make a list of questions you want to ask, such as: What tests do I need? What treatments are available? How can I improve my bone health?

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Appointment

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and risk factors. They may discuss screening tests and explain treatment options. You can talk about lifestyle changes like diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercises, and fall prevention. The provider may prescribe medications if needed. Physical exams are limited in video visits, so some tests may require in-person visits.

Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes

Treatment often includes medications to slow bone loss or build bone. Supplements like calcium and vitamin D are common. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly support bone health. Your provider will help you create a plan that fits your needs and preferences.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience sudden severe bone pain, signs of a fracture (such as inability to move a limb or severe swelling), or symptoms of other health problems, seek urgent in-person care. Telemedicine cannot replace physical exams or emergency treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your current medications and supplements.
• Note any history of fractures or bone pain.
• Write down questions about osteoporosis screening and treatment.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the video visit.
• Have a family member or friend available if you need assistance.

After your tele-visit

• Schedule any recommended bone density tests or lab work.
• Follow the treatment plan discussed with your provider.
• Implement lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
• Monitor for any new symptoms and report them promptly.
• Plan follow-up appointments as advised.
• Keep a record of your bone health progress and medications.

FAQs

What is a bone density scan and why might I need one?

A bone density scan (DEXA) measures the strength of your bones. It helps detect osteoporosis before fractures happen. Your provider may recommend it based on your risk factors.

Can osteoporosis be treated through telemedicine?

Telemedicine can help discuss your condition, review test results, and plan treatment. However, some tests and treatments require in-person visits.

What lifestyle changes help improve bone health?

Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, doing weight-bearing exercises, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol can all support stronger bones.

Are there risks to osteoporosis medications?

Like all medicines, osteoporosis drugs can have side effects. Your provider will explain benefits and risks to help you decide the best treatment.

When should I seek emergency care related to osteoporosis?

If you have sudden severe bone pain, signs of a broken bone, or other urgent symptoms, seek emergency in-person care immediately.

Sources

1. Osteoporosis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH.
2. Osteoporosis Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Osteoporosis: Screening and Treatment — National Library of Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for education and planning only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or emergency treatment. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions and seek urgent care if you experience severe symptoms.