Finding a Practitioner

You've been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia. You may be asking whether your primary care doc can manage it or whether you need a specialist. If you need a specialist, how do you find one?

Questions to ask

• What is your level of expertise? How do you keep up with recent advancements?
• What osteoporosis meds have you prescribed in the past?
• What life style changes will help - look for osteoporosis specific exercise recommendations and in-depth nutrition advice
• What testing do you do to rule out secondary causes?

Specialties most likely to have expertise in osteoporosis

• Endocrinology
• Rheumatology
• Menopause specialists - if trying to preserve your current bone density or need only modest improvement

But - the specialty is less important than the number of osteoporosis patients treated and how they keep up with advancements. Good doctors are found in other areas. For example, Dr. Susan Ott's official specialty is nephrology. Dr. Keith McCormick is a chiropractor.

There are a few highly regarded practioners who can order tests and/or provide advice across state lines via telemedicine

• R. Keith McCormick: GreatBonesConsulting This website includes a list of lab tests that should be done in order to be evaluated for secondary causes of osteoporosis as well as a link to schedule an appointment with Dr. McCormick.