IQWiG

is an independent scientific institute that
investigates the benefits and harms of medical interventions
for patients. We regularly provide information
about the potential advantages and disadvantages of
different diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Measurement of bone density: indication of a benefit in postmenopausal women, also in those without pre-existing fractures

A large decrease in bone density (osteoporosis) may promote fractures. For this reason, drugs aiming to prevent osteoporosis-related fractures have already been on the market for decades. With the help of bone density measurement (osteodensitometry) those persons can be identified who potentially benefit from such a targeted drug therapy. This has been scientifically proven for a long time, at least in postmenopausal women who previously suffered an osteoporosis-related fracture. An IQWiG final report now concludes that women without pre-existing fractures may also benefit from osteodensitometry.

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German patients seem less easily satisfied

There is currently no industrial nation in the world whose health care system has not been repeatedly reformed in the past years. However, patients in other countries possibly deal with the ongoing discussions and constant changes in a more relaxed manner than do German patients. This conclusion is implied by an international comparative survey coordinated by the Commonwealth Fund, a private US foundation. Although the experiences of German patients are largely by no means negative, they judge the health care system more critically than patients in other countries.

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