For Patients

Osteoporosis, or “porous bone,” is a common skeletal disease in which bones become weak and more likely to break. It is common in both men and women, particularly as normal aging progresses, but it more common in women. It is called a “silent disease” until a fracture occurs, often with minimal trauma, such as falling from a standing height or lifting something the wrong way. This ultimately impacts one’s independence and quality of life.

There are many risk factors at play in the development of osteoporosis, but there are also many preventive and treatment therapies to minimize bone loss. Appropriate lifestyle changes, exercise, nutrition, and medications are effective strategies to maintain good bone quality, lower risk of fractures, and improve quality of life.

Please complete the following paperwork for your first visit Christopher Doerr, DO at the Better Bone Clinic.

Better Bone Clinic paperwork

In order for you to have a worthwhile first visit please be sure that we are aware of and have received the following information:

Bone Density Scans (DXA)
Please let us know where you have had any bone density scans. Ideally, we would like to obtain both the report AND the images. If you have not had a scan within the past 2 YEARS, be sure to get one at your preferred imaging center before your initial visit.

Athens Diagnostic Center
Piedmont Athens or Royston
St. Mary's Hospital and St. Mary's Outpatient

Labs
All patients MUST complete the Better Bone Clinic Osteoporosis Lab Panel at one of the following local labs. Your insurance company may have a preferred lab. Please check your card for that information or give them a call. The facility you choose will fax the results to our office in time for your first visit.

LabCorp
Quest Diagnostics
Piedmont Athens Regional (6 Regional Lab Outreach locations)
St. Mary's Hospital or St. Mary's Outpatient