Women’s Medicine Collaborative Receives International Accreditation For Bone Density Testing

Posted Tuesday, July 10, 2012

The Women’s Medicine Collaborative was recently accredited by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) for excellence and quality in performing bone densitometry, a test that can detect bone loss associated with osteoporosis. It is the only facility in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut to achieve this honor.

“Bone densitometry is an important tool because if we can detect bone loss in its early stages, we can intervene and help patients boost their bone strength and delay the progression of osteoporosis,” said Margaret Miller, M.D., director of the Women’s Medicine Collaborative. “We’re pleased to be recognized for our expertise in this area and grateful to Dr. Geetha Gopalakrishnan and technician Jane Becker for their leadership in helping us achieve this honor and their dedication to performing high-quality exams.”

The three-year accreditation includes provision of Dual Energy X-Ray (DXA) skeletal assessment services. DXA, the preferred technique for measuring bone density, is a simple, painless, noninvasive exam that uses low-dose x-ray to measure the density of a patient’s bones and can diagnose osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, or the thinning of bone tissue, causes bones to become weak, brittle and susceptible to painful breaks. In the United States, more than 40 million people either already have osteoporosis or are at high risk due to low bone mass, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“By applying for and receiving ISCD accreditation, the Women’s Medicine Collaborative has demonstrated a commitment to quality programs and services,” said Leon Lenchik, M.D., facility accreditation co-chair. “Earning ISCD accreditation tells the Greater Providence community and potential patients that the Women’s Medicine Collaborative has attained a measure of excellence and quality performance in this field.”

The Women’s Medicine Collaborative offers state-of-the-art bone densitometry testing services for women and men age 18 years and older. To schedule an appointment, please call 401-793-5700.

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