How to get more osteoporosis patients

Osteoporosis care is a service some patients pay for themselves and others ask their insurer about, and how it is described shapes who books and what they expect. Many callers mention a bone density scan result, a broken bone after a minor fall, losing height, back pain, a referral from their family doctor or gynecologist, or wanting a second opinion, and the calls are from adults. This guide is for owners, coordinators and front desk teams in endocrinology, rheumatology and primary care practices that see adults for osteoporosis: what MedlinePlus and NIAMS say about osteoporosis, how it is checked, which claims to avoid, and how to turn requests into well-informed evaluations. Here, the endocrinologist, rheumatologist or primary care physician (called the clinician below) evaluates the patient and decides on the treatment plan, including whether and when a bone density test is needed, and talks it through with the patient.

SearchAn adult looks for care near them.
Your pageWhat you treat, who sees them, one way to book.
Call or formThey call or send a request.
Front deskBooks the visit and never guesses a cause.
Clinical teamThe clinician decides the plan.

How a new patient request reaches your practice.

1. Know what osteoporosis care is and is not

The MedlinePlus bone density page says “Losing bone density can weaken your bones.” The MedlinePlus osteoporosis topic page says “Osteoporosis usually doesn’t cause symptoms. You may not know that you have it until you break a bone.”

Care starts with an evaluation, not a set package of visits. The MedlinePlus osteoporosis topic page says “To find out if you have osteoporosis, your provider:” and lists “Will ask about your medical history and whether you have ever broken a bone” and “Will likely order a bone density scan” among the steps.

Only a licensed clinician evaluates the patient, and the clinician decides which tests or a referral are needed. The NIAMS osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment page says “Health care providers who treat osteoporosis include:” and lists “Endocrinologists, who treat problems related to the glands and hormones.”, “Rheumatologists, who specialize in arthritis and other diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles.” and “Primary care providers, such as a family physician or internal medicine specialist.” The practice decides which clinician sees each visit, within each license.

The bone density page says “A bone density scan is the best way to measure your bone health.” The MedlinePlus bone mineral density test article says “Your provider will help you understand the results.” Staff never interpret a scan report or say whether a caller has osteoporosis.

The MedlinePlus osteoporosis article says “Sometimes, bone loss occurs without any known cause.” It says broken bones in the spine can cause back pain and that “The pain may occur suddenly or slowly over time.” The front desk never says whether a bone is broken, what is causing back pain or which treatment a caller needs, and neither the front desk nor an ad can tell one cause of back pain from another.

Some calls need help right away, and the front desk only relays what the sources say. The MedlinePlus broken bone article says “Call 911 or the local emergency number if:” and lists “The person is not responding or is losing consciousness.”, “There is a suspected broken bone in the head, neck, or back.”, “There is a suspected broken bone in the hip, pelvis, or upper leg.”, “You cannot completely immobilize the injury at the scene by yourself.”, “There is severe bleeding.”, “An area below the injured joint is pale, cold, clammy, or blue.” and “There is a bone projecting through the skin.” If a caller reports any of these during the call, tell them MedlinePlus says to call 911 or the local emergency number, then tell the clinical team right away. The broken bone article also says “Even though other broken bones may not be medical emergencies, they still deserve prompt medical attention. Contact your health care provider to find out where and when to be seen.” The MedlinePlus low back pain, acute article says “Contact your provider right away if you have:” and lists “Back pain after a severe blow or fall”, “Burning with urination or blood in your urine”, “A history of cancer”, “Loss of control over urine or stool (incontinence)”, “Pain traveling down your legs below the knee”, “Pain that is worse when you lie down”, “Pain that wakes you up at night”, “Redness or swelling on the back or spine”, “Severe pain that does not allow you to get comfortable”, “Unexplained fever with back pain”, “Weakness or numbness in your buttocks, thigh, leg, or pelvis” and “Difficulty walking or maintaining your balance”. The MedlinePlus low back pain, chronic article says “Contact your provider if you have severe back pain that does not go away. Contact them right away if you have numbness, loss of movement, weakness, or bowel or bladder changes.” If a caller reports any of these during the call, tell them MedlinePlus says to contact their provider right away, then tell the clinical team right away so a clinician can speak with the caller.

Other signs call for a provider visit. The MedlinePlus preventing falls article says “Contact your provider if you have fallen, or if you almost fall. Also contact your provider if your eyesight has worsened. Improving your vision will help reduce falls.” The low back pain, acute article says “Also contact your provider if:” and lists “You have been losing weight unintentionally”, “You use steroids or inject drugs”, “You have had back pain before, but this episode is different and feels worse” and “This episode of back pain has lasted longer than 4 weeks”. If a caller reports any of these during the call, tell them MedlinePlus says to contact their provider, then tell the clinical team promptly so a clinician can speak with the caller; if the report also matches a sign in the paragraph above, relay that line too.

Many reports match more than one line; relay each line that matches, so staff never choose between them. Callers with a problem after earlier bone treatment, or a new fall or injury, go to the clinical team promptly. The front desk does not say what is causing the symptoms, does not judge whether a symptom matters, and does not tell callers what to do at home or which medicines to take or stop; staff note it on the intake form and pass it to the clinician.

Some callers ask for one specific treatment only, or bring scan results or a plan from another clinic. Book the evaluation the same way, give the price, do not promise which treatment the clinician will use or how the plan will look, and do not promise a plan based on an earlier scan or an earlier visit elsewhere.

Do not present osteoporosis care or a named treatment or technique as the only answer or as a sure fix. The clinician explains the options and decides on the plan with the patient.

Some visits involve a referral, often from a family doctor, an internist or a gynecologist, or after a broken bone was treated elsewhere. The NIAMS osteoporosis page says “After you break a bone, recovery is your first priority. But you might want to find out whether this broken bone is a sign of osteoporosis.” Some patients come with a referral from their doctor and some without; staff check what the patient’s plan requires and do not promise anything either way. Make the hand off from referring clinicians easy, and never offer or accept payment for referrals. See also patient referrals for medical practices, how to get more gout patients and how to get more hip pain patients.

2. Keep claims in line with the risk information

MedlinePlus and NIAMS give a balanced picture of osteoporosis care and point out the limits.

the MedlinePlus osteoporosis article says “Spine bones that have already collapsed can’t be made stronger.”;
the MedlinePlus bone density page says “Not everyone who has low bone mass gets osteoporosis, but they are at higher risk for developing it.”;
the NIAMS osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment page says “Medications can cause side effects.”

What helps differs from patient to patient. Do not promise stronger bones, a better scan score, no more broken bones, fewer falls, standing taller, an end to back pain, a number of visits, a time frame or any other outcome in ads or on the phone.

Treatment choice belongs in the exam room. The NIAMS osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment page says “Your health care provider will discuss the best option for you, taking into consideration your age, sex, general health, and the amount of bone you have lost.” Do not push a named treatment, technique, device, product or add-ons; the clinician explains the options after the evaluation and decides on the plan with the patient.

The MedlinePlus osteoporosis topic page says “The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for:” and lists “Women age 65 and older” and “Postmenopausal women under age 65 who have factors that increase the chance of developing osteoporosis”, and it says “For men, it isn’t clear yet whether regular screening is helpful.” Keep screening claims within this: do not tell callers or write in ads that a person needs a scan, or does not; the clinician decides whether and when a bone density test is needed.

Write about patients with respect. Do not use fear copy about a broken hip, losing independence, getting older or money, do not blame or shame people about their age, weight, diet, smoking or drinking, never joke about falls, and avoid shock images and deadline pressure. The NIAMS osteoporosis page says “Osteoporosis affects women and men of all races and ethnic groups.” Do not use a named treatment, product, device or technique as an ad hook, and never advertise or promise any treatment, product, prescription or diet as a fix. Keep ad copy aimed at adults, and never target minors in ads or social campaigns. Never aim ads at people who have just had a fall or a broken bone. Do not build ad audiences from scan results, broken bones, falls, past treatments, prescriptions, diagnoses, medicines or other health information, and do not use age, sex, race or menopause as a stand-in for osteoporosis.

Book adults only. If a caller is under 18, or a parent calls to book for a child or teenager, do not book an evaluation; pass the call to the clinical team. The front desk does not judge whether a caller’s age, medicines or another health condition changes the plan; that belongs to the clinician. If you text or email about an appointment, use the patient’s own contact details and consent; see texting patients and the TCPA.

Avoid “reverse osteoporosis”, “rebuild your bones”, “never break a bone again”, “stronger than before”, “bone-building shot”, “skip the medicine”, “natural remedy”, “quick fix”, “free bone scan”, “everyone over 50 needs a scan”, “walk-in”, “risk-free”, “insurance will cover it”, “no referral needed” and “FDA-approved”. Better: “the clinician will ask about your health, any broken bones and what you have noticed, examine you, explain whether a bone density test makes sense and the options, and decide on a treatment plan with you”.

3. Answer first-call questions honestly

How much does it cost? Give a clear starting price, say what it includes (the evaluation, any bone density test or lab tests, follow-up visits, any in-office treatment, whether medicines, devices and supplies are extra) and that what the clinician finds, the treatment plan the clinician recommends, where it is done and how many visits it includes affect the total. Say whether the evaluation, any bone density test or lab tests, follow-up visits and any in-office treatment are priced separately.
Does insurance pay? Do not promise coverage. Coverage varies by plan, so the practice checks each patient’s plan.
Which treatment will you use, and will it work? “We cannot tell that on the phone. The clinician will ask about your health history, any broken bones and falls, your family history, any earlier scan results, your health and medicines, examine you and talk with you about whether a bone density test is needed, the options and whether treatment makes sense.”
Can I be seen if I already have treatment from another doctor, take other medicines, have had a broken bone or bone surgery or have other health conditions? Do not answer either way. Current treatment, other medicines, earlier broken bones or bone surgery and health conditions are questions for the clinician; staff note them on the intake form and the clinician talks them through at the evaluation.
Who does the work? Give the endocrinologist’s, rheumatologist’s or primary care physician’s name and real credentials. Let callers check them with the state medical board or the state board that licenses that clinician.

When a caller asks about insurance, staff take the plan details and say the practice will check; they never say the treatment will be covered.

Leave screening to the clinician. Your intake form can ask the patient’s age, the reason for the visit, earlier bone density scans and results, any broken bones and how they happened, any falls, any loss of height, family history, any earlier diagnosis and current treatment elsewhere, any earlier bone surgery, any referral, current medicines, allergies and health conditions. The NIAMS osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment page says “During your visit with your doctor, remember to report:” and lists “Your family history of osteoporosis and other diseases.” among the items; staff collect these answers and never comment on them. The NIAMS page also says “If you have questions about your medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.”; medicine and activity decisions belong to the patient’s clinicians, never to the front desk. Never tell a caller to stop a medicine by a certain date, and never suggest a medicine, a product, a device or a home remedy. If a caller asks whether to keep taking, stop or change a medicine, or what activity is safe for them, suggest nothing; pass the question to the clinical team. The front desk does not judge how urgent a call is. Pass any report of a fall or a near fall, a possible broken bone, back pain or other bone pain, swelling or bruising, loss of height, trouble walking, numbness or weakness, a new injury, a problem after earlier bone treatment or surgery, symptoms that follow another medical treatment or get worse, any question about a medicine, or a caller who says they feel anxious, stressed or upset about their bones to the clinical team promptly. If a caller says they are thinking about killing or hurting themselves, stay with them and tell them to dial 911 if it is an emergency or to call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, as MedlinePlus advises, then tell the clinical team. If a caller reports any of the signs listed in section 1 during the call, tell them what MedlinePlus says for that sign, as set out there, then tell the clinical team. The clinician decides whether someone is a candidate and which treatment is suitable. Front desk staff only collect the answers. Use the new patient phone script for the rest of the call, and book the evaluation, not the treatment, while the caller is on the line.

4. Plan the evaluation, treatment visits and follow-up

The NIAMS osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment page says “The doctor may also perform a physical exam that includes checking for:” and lists “Loss of height and weight.”, “Changes in posture.” and “Balance and gait (the way you walk).” Any steps before a visit or a scan are for the clinician to set. Tell callers that the choice of care comes after the exam.

Make second opinions easy, and give patients time to talk through the plan, care at home and any medicines with the clinician first.

For the evaluation and treatment visits, ask your clinicians for written notes on preparing for the visit, what to bring, such as a list of current medicines and earlier scan results, any referral the patient’s plan asks for, care at home as the clinician sets it, warning signs and follow-up visits. On follow-up, the NIAMS osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment page says “Visit your doctor for regular checkups and ask about any factors that may affect your bone health or increase your chance of falling, such as medications or other medical conditions.” Share them with callers early. Aftercare depends on the treatment; the clinician gives exact instructions and sets the follow-up schedule.

5. Price, finance and follow up

Self-pay patients may be entitled to a good faith estimate; see the good faith estimate guide.
If you advertise a discount, follow advertising prices and specials. Avoid deadline pressure on a treatment decision.
If you offer financing, follow the patient financing guide.
Before-and-after photos need written authorization and honest comparisons; see before-and-after photos. FTC guides treat a patient’s result as typical unless you disclose what patients can generally expect.
Follow up after the evaluation without pressure; see consultation to treatment. Track osteoporosis requests and referrals separately, from request to evaluation to treatment, and keep the notes the clinician needs for follow-up visits.

Where MediLeadGen fits

MediLeadGen sends practices requests from people interested in cash-pay elective treatments. Each request goes to one practice only, with the person’s consent naming that practice, at a fixed price per delivered request.

See how it works for practices

Questions practices ask

How do we get more osteoporosis patients?

Answer requests quickly, give clear prices and what they include, introduce the endocrinologist, rheumatologist or primary care physician by real credentials, keep claims in line with the risk information, make referrals and second opinions easy, and book an evaluation where the clinician can ask about the patient’s health history, any broken bones and falls, family history, earlier scan results and medicines, examine the patient and explain whether a bone density test is needed and the options before deciding on a treatment plan.

Can we promise callers that treatment will make their bones strong again?

No. MedlinePlus says spine bones that have already collapsed cannot be made stronger and that not everyone with low bone mass gets osteoporosis, and NIAMS says medications can cause side effects. Staff collect intake answers only, and the endocrinologist, rheumatologist or primary care physician decides on the treatment plan with the patient after the evaluation, including whether and when a bone density test is needed.

What should the front desk do when a caller reports a fall, sudden back pain, a possible broken bone or feeling upset about their bones?

Collect the intake answers and pass any report of a fall, bone symptoms, a new injury, a problem after earlier bone treatment or surgery, any question about a medicine, or a caller who says they feel anxious, stressed or upset about their bones to the clinical team promptly. If a caller reports a person who is not responding or is losing consciousness, a suspected broken bone in the head, neck, back, hip, pelvis or upper leg, severe bleeding, an area below the injured joint that is pale, cold, clammy or blue, or a bone through the skin, tell them MedlinePlus says “Call 911 or the local emergency number”, then tell the clinical team right away. If a caller reports back pain after a severe blow or fall, or back pain with any other sign on the MedlinePlus right away lists in section 1, such as numbness, weakness, loss of movement, bowel or bladder changes, fever, or trouble walking or keeping their balance, tell them MedlinePlus says to contact their provider right away, then tell the clinical team right away. If a caller has fallen or almost fallen, thinks they may have broken a bone, has severe back pain that does not go away, or has had back pain before but says this time is different and feels worse, tell them MedlinePlus says to contact their provider, then tell the clinical team promptly so a clinician can speak with the caller. Relay each line that matches. If a caller says they are thinking about killing or hurting themselves, stay with them and tell them to dial 911 if it is an emergency or to call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, as MedlinePlus advises, then tell the clinical team. The front desk does not judge how urgent a call is, say whether a bone is broken, say what is causing the symptoms or whether a symptom is serious, or suggest a treatment, product or medicine; the clinician decides.

Does insurance cover osteoporosis care?

Coverage varies by plan. Check each patient’s plan, and do not promise coverage in ads or on the phone.

General information for practice teams, not legal or clinical advice. Check device labeling, FDA requirements, state rules and your advertising with counsel and your clinicians. Last reviewed October 2026.

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How to get more osteoporosis patients: a plan for endocrinology, rheumatology and primary care practices