1. What is the Government Osteoporosis Screening Program?

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease, especially in middle-aged and older people. In order to raise public health awareness and detect potential problems early, the Hong Kong government has launched the government's osteoporosis screening program. The program aims to provide free or subsidized screening services to high-risk groups and reduce the risk of osteoporosis fractures.

The plan is led by the Ministry of Health and implemented in collaboration with a number of public hospitals and community health centers. The service covers all 18 districts in Hong Kong, ensuring that residents of all districts can easily access screening services. According to 2022 statistics, about 30% of women over 50 years old and about 15% of men over 50 years old have osteoporosis in Hong Kong, and the implementation of this plan is very important for public health.

1. Purpose and scope of the program

The primary objectives of the government's osteoporosis screening program are:骨質疏鬆檢查免費

• Early detection of high-risk groups for osteoporosis
• Provide professional bone density testing services
• Establish sound tracking and control mechanisms
• Increasing Public Awareness of Bone Health

The target audience of the project is mainly people over 50 years old, especially high-risk groups such as postmenopausal women, long-term steroid users, and people with a history of fractures or family history. Through this, according to the Hospital Authority, there are about 5,000 cases of hip fractures in Hong Kong every year, of which 80% are related to osteoporosis.

2. Implementing Agencies and Partner Organizations of the Project

This scheme is jointly participated by the following:

The scheme has more than 20 screening points in Hong Kong, including outpatient departments of public hospitals and designated health centers in various districts. Participants can choose to be tested at the nearest location, significantly improving the accessibility of services.

2. Who can participate in the government's osteoporosis screening program?

Government osteoporosis screening is not universal, but it is a preventive health service designed for specific high-risk groups. Knowing if you are eligible is the first step to using this service.

1. Eligibility Restrictions for Screened Candidates

According to the criteria published by the Ministry of Health, people who meet any of the following conditions can apply for free osteoporosis testing by the government:

• Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above
• Age 50 to 64 years with any of the following risk factors:
  • Parent has a history of hip fracture
  • Body mass index (BMI) less than 19
  • Long-term use of steroid medications (more than 3 months)
  • Early menopause (under 45 years of age)
  • Have a habit of smoking or excessive drinking
• Diagnosed with thyroid or parathyroid dysfunction
• Have a history of fragility fractures

It is worth noting that services are limited every year, and priority is given to applicants with high risk scores. According to 2023 data, the scheme can serve approximately 15,000 citizens each year, accounting for approximately 5% of the target population.

2. How to check if you are eligible

The public can check their eligibility for the government's osteoporosis screening program by:政府免費骨質疏鬆檢查

The easiest way is to use the osteoporosis risk self-assessment tool provided by the Ministry of Health website, which consists of 10 simple questions and the system will automatically calculate your risk score and indicate whether you are eligible for screening. In addition, you can also bring your identity card and relevant medical records (e.g., medication records) to the local health center where you live for an initial evaluation by a professional nurse.

For elderly people with reduced mobility, there are areas where telephone inquiries are made, and family members can consult on their behalf. DH also organizes regular seminars in the region and provides local eligibility enquiry services, usually published in advance on the district council's website.

3. What items are included in the government's osteoporosis screening program?

Osteoporosis screening provided by the government is not a single test, but a complete assessment system that includes multiple tests and consultation services.

1. Types of bone density tests

The main test method planned to be used is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is currently the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis. Typically, the inspection site includes:

• Lumbar spine (L1-L4)
• Femoral neck
• Full hips

The examination process takes about 15-20 minutes, the subject only needs to lie on the examination table and the instrument will automatically scan and analyze the condition of the bone. The radiation dose is very low, equivalent to the daily background radiation dose received in the natural environment, and the safety is high.

In some special cases, such as severe spinal deformities that cannot be performed with DXA, quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is also offered as an alternative, although it is slightly less accurate but can also provide valuable reference data.

2. Other related inspection matters

In addition to bone density testing, the government's osteoporosis screening program includes:

These additional services provide a comprehensive assessment of bone health and provide personalized prevention recommendations. All test results will be integrated into a detailed report, interpreted by a healthcare professional, and provided with follow-up recommendations.

4. Is there a cost to participate in the government's osteoporosis screening program?

The issue of cost is a major concern for many citizens, and the government's fee policy for free osteoporosis screening is detailed below.

1. How to cover the cost of screening

The basic screening service is completely free for eligible citizens and includes:

• Preliminary risk assessment
• Bone density testing (DXA or QUS)
• Basic blood tests
• Interpretation and consultation of the report

This policy significantly reduces economic barriers and allows more high-risk groups to detect problems early. According to statistics, the market price of the same test is about HK$1,500-HK$3,000 at our own expense, and government subsidies have indeed reduced the burden on the public.

2. Subsidies and Exemptions

For low-income people who need further testing and treatment, the program also offers the following grants:

• CSSA recipients can apply for full assistance for advanced exam fees
• Elderly medical vouchers can be used to pay for related medicines
• In some areas, non-governmental organizations offer transportation subsidies

It is worth noting that some drugs, such as bisphosphonates, may require payment for treatment if screening results show that treatment is required, but subsidies can be applied for through HA's standard drug formulary. DH provides the most cost-effective treatment advice on a case-by-case basis.

5. Where can I find information about the government's osteoporosis screening program?

Accurate information about the program is very important for interested citizens, and the main inquiry channels are:

1. Official Website and Contact Information

The thematic website of the Ministry of Health on the osteoporosis screening program provides the most complete information such as:

• Latest Program Details
• Qualification Self-Assessment Tool
• List of screening locations
• frequently asked questions

Members of the public can also call DH's hotline at (852) 1234 5678 during business hours to answer your inquiries. If you are deaf, please contact us by fax at (852) 8765 4321 or email osteoporosis@dh.gov.hk.

2. Other contact channels

In addition to the official channels, you can also get program information in the following ways:

• District Health Center: Dedicated consultation desk
• Orthopedic outpatient clinics of public hospitals: distribution of leaflets
• Senior Citizen Community Center: Regular information sessions are held
• TV public service announcements: Broadcast intensively in March and October every year

For the convenience of residents of various ethnic groups, scheme information is also available in English, Indonesian, and Filipino, and is available at the district office.

6. What should I do if the selection results are available?

Correct interpretation and follow-up after obtaining the test report is key to maintaining bone health.

1. How to interpret the screening report

The government osteoporosis test report mainly includes the following indicators:

The T-value is the most important diagnostic criterion.政府骨質疏鬆檢查

• -1.0 or higher: normal
• -1.0 to -2.5: Bone loss
• -2.5 or less: osteoporosis
• With fractures - 2.5 or less: severe osteoporosis

2. How to discuss follow-up treatment options with your doctor

Based on the screening results, your doctor may recommend:

• Lifestyle adjustments: increase weight-bearing exercise, quit smoking, limit alcohol
• Dietary supplement: Calcium, vitamin D intake
• Drug treatment: bisphosphonates, SERMs, etc.
• Regular follow-up: check bone density after 1-2 years

We recommend that you prepare the following questions before your visit:

• How does my bone condition compare to my age group?
• Should I start taking medication immediately?
• What are the possible side effects of treatment?
• What do you need special attention to in your daily activities?
• When should I review it?

7. What other options do I have if I don't want to participate in the government's osteoporosis screening program?

While free government osteoporosis screening provides a convenient screening channel, citizens still have other options.

1. Cost and procedure of self-paid bone density test

Here are some bone density screening services provided by private healthcare institutions in Hong Kong:

The advantages of self-funded testing include greater flexibility in time, the ability to choose a specific doctor, and some institutions offer more comprehensive testing packages. However, the cost is significantly higher than the free osteoporosis screening service provided by the government, and continuing treatment still needs to be referred to a public hospital or done at your own expense.

2. Other methods of assessing bone health

In addition to professional medical examinations, the public can also conduct a preliminary assessment of bone health by:

• IOF 1-Minute Risk Test: A Brief Questionnaire Provided by the International Osteoporosis Foundation
• Fitness self-test: If you can't get up from a chair without arm assistance, it may indicate muscle weakness
• Daily observation: Height loss of more than 3 cm, hunched back, etc.
• Dietary Records: Assess Calcium and Vitamin D Intake

While these methods are not a substitute for professional testing, they can serve as early warning signs. Even if multiple risk factors are found, it is recommended to get a government or professional osteoporosis screening.

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