Osteoporosis scans now covered by CPAM

Osteoporosis affects more than 3 million women a year in both France and the UK.

The condition – which weakens the bones, making them more fragile – is a risk for women as they grow older.

Until recently, there was no cover in France for having an ostéodensitométrie – a bone density scan.

However, after a recent ruling by Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), 70% of the cost of a scan – 39.96€ – will now be covered by CPAM.

A scan must be prescribed by your médicin traitant and will only be offered to women who are considered to be at risk. However, the risk categories are broadly based, so if you are recommended for a scan by your doctor it is highly likely your will be entitled to cover.

Also, the health body, Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) has recommended that BONVIVA, a medication widely prescribed in the UK to strengthen bones, should have a reimbursement of 65% by the CPAM.

For more information go to National Osteoporosis Society