One Broken Bone

One Broken Bone Leads to Another, With Osteoporosis

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) calls for all adults to be alert to their risk factors for osteoporosis, a disease which can lead to a dangerous, life-threatening spiral of broken bones. A broken bone (known as a fracture) which occurs following a minor fall in adults aged over 50 years is usually a signal of underlying osteoporosis. After such a fracture - often at the wrist, spine or hip - the risk of having more fractures is very high within the next two years. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and fragile, leaving people at risk of painful and debilitating fractures which too often result in long-term disability and loss of independence. An osteoporosis-related fracture can occur after a minor fall from standing height, or simply from bending to lift a grocery bag. Worldwide, up to one in two women and one in five men aged fifty years or over will be affected by osteoporosis-related fractures in their remaining lifetimes. Other important risk factors for osteoporosis-related fractures include height loss of more than 4 cm (ca 1.5 inches); long-term use of glu-

Myths / from page 10

Understanding which plans your preferred doctors and specialists accept is one of the most important considerations when choosing a plan. All hospitals in Northern Nevada contract with at least one Medicare Advantage

HMO plan. It’s important to note that in an emergency, a Medicare Advantage HMO plan will cover any hospital.

Myth: If I am traveling, Medicare

Advantage HMO plans won’t cover me while out of network.

Truth: While a Medicare Advantage

HMO has a local network of doctors and hospitals, it also covers you while traveling. While you are away from home, you have the same cover for ambulances, urgent care, emergency care, and hospitalization in an emergency. Many Medicare Advantage HMOs even cover you when traveling overseas which is something that Original Medicare will not cover. cocorticoids ('steroids' to treat inflammation); parental history of hip fracture, being underweight; smoking; excessive alcohol intake; and early menopause, among other factors. Early management of osteoporosis can prevent much needless suffering and loss of independence. After a hip fracture approximately 40% of patients are unable to walk independently, some 60% require assistance and 33% may be dependent or in a nursing home in the year following the fracture. IOF urges adults aged over 50 to take the IOF Osteoporosis-Risk-Check. If risk factors are identified, it is important to

seek a bone health assessment. November 2020 // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com

Myth: Referrals are a cost-saving mechanism meant to make it difficult to see a specialist.

Truth: Medicare Advantage HMOs typically place emphasis on the relationship between the patient and their Primary Care Provider (PCP). The PCP takes responsibility for the health of the patient and oversees their care. Behind the PCP there are licensed nurses, specialists, hospitalists, and other providers. These providers work together to coordinate your care. Referrals for specialists are often part of that care coordination. Care coordination ensures that doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other providers are working together to produce the best health outcome for the patient.

If you prefer talking to someone about your options, meeting with a licensed broker can offer you unbiased resources to help you sort through the complexities of each plan. The Medicare Store has a knowledgeable staff of agents who can help you examine your options and make recommendations for your needs. The Medicare Store is located in both Reno and Las Vegas and is an independent, unbiased resource that can offer you personal Medicare advice at no charge.