Western Australia's 
Mobile Bone Density Screening Service

About Osteoporosis Solutions (Australia)

Established in 1992 by consultant rheumatologist Dr Rob. Will, Osteoporosis Solutions Australia commits to providing the best possible service of testing and diagnosing Osteoporosis for both men and women of all ages. We provide clinically focused reports relevant to your ongoing management of the patient with or at risk of osteoporosis. Our mobile service (WA Mobile) was established in 1998 for the regional population of Western Australia.

Where do we visit?

WA Mobile currently travels as far north as Canarvon, inland to Kalgoorlie and south to Esperance. For our schedule over the next few months, please click here. Please note that these dates are subject to change, depending on bookings and patient numbers etc.

How often does WA Mobile visit?

Large towns such as Busselton, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Albany are visited every two months throughout the year. Smaller towns such as Augusta, Wagin and Merredin are visited on a 6monthly to 12monthly basis. WA Mobile revisits smaller towns at least once every 12 months for follow up scans.

Visiting Requirements

WA Mobile requires a minimum of 15 patients to make appointments with us prior to any visit. Upon receiving adequate numbers we are happy to visit any town within our designated travel distances. We are happy to consider traveling outside our travel range depending on support from local doctors.

The scanning procedure

General appointments run for 15 minutes. We are happy to extend appointment times for any patient with mobility difficulties at no extra charge. Patients are asked if they will require extra time for their scan when the book an appointment with our call-centre.

Patients are able to remain fully clothed during the scan and the procedure is considered to be completely non-invasive and painless. No fasting is required.

Van facilities

The scanning van and machine were completely replaced in July 2010. The new van now has a comfortable waiting room, a ramp for patients in wheel-chairs and is fully air-conditioned.

WA Mobile is fitted with a GE LUNAR Prodigy PRIMO which scans patients using three anatomical sites; the lumbar spine (L1 - L4), the femur and the forearm.

Your patient's Medicare eligibility

All patients over the age of 70years with a valid Medicare or DVA card will be bulk billed by WA Mobile under the item number 12323. These patients are automatically eligible for a follow-up scan every 12 months regardless of their results from previous scans.

Patients under 70years may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $82.30 under the item numbers 12306, 12312, 12315 and 12321. Please see our comprehensive list of all the relevant medical conditions associated with these Medicare item numbers.

Referral forms are available for download from the homepage, otherwise we are happy to provide you with hard copies upon request (08) 9472 1904 or 1300 659 796.

Our reports

Reporting is run via our head office in Victoria Park, Perth. A clinically relevant report is provided to the referring doctor giving a patient's T-Score and Z-Score as well as information and recommendations for the patient's disease management. Reports for patients receiving follow up scans with Osteoporosis Solutions include trending for the ongoing management of the patient's bone density.

Our Technicians

Our technicians participate in IN VIVO precision studies to help maintain a standard of accuracy for repeat scans. Western Australian legislation also requires that our DEXA technicians hold a health science degree and have successfully completed a course in radiation safety.

Other Services & Information

Our technicians are happy to arrange free osteoporosis education seminars for the residents in your town. In order to hold a seminar we require a suitable location with seating for the attendants as well as a power outlet for our projector and a blank wall for projection.

Copies of Dr Rob Will's latest appendix 'Benefits and Side-Effects When Bisphosphonates are used to Treat Osteoporosis and Paget's Diease (8)' are also available. Upon request, we are happy to arrange for our technician to visit your offices and discuss the latest appendices with you. Previous appendices (1 -7) are also available.

Enquiries

If you would like to arrange a visit with WA Mobile, or if you would like any further information and materials please phone our Marketing / Communications Coordinator Bree O'Sullivan on;

(08) 9472 1904 or email jennyg@bdaus.com.au