R.E.M.S.
Echo Light Ultrasound Bone Density

• DEXA utilizes ionizing radiation or X-ray while REMS utilizes ultrasound waves.
• DEXA is dependent on factors like life of cathode ray tube, patient positioning, scoliosis, metallic hardware and bone spurs, unlike REMS which can be performed even in these clinical situations.
• A major advantage of the REMS technology is the evaluation of both Bone mineral density (BMD) and Fragility (bone quality) both in one exam (bone density and bone quality). The DEXA scan does not evaluate both unless there is a TBS software package and even then, the DEXA TBS evaluates only lumbar spine only, and not the femoral neck.
• European research studies have demonstrated a high correlation of REMS BMD to DEXA BMD and that REMS offers significantly increased levels of accuracy, sensitivity to bone mass changes, and diagnostic reproducibility over DEXA.
• Measure of bone quality is better than BMD alone in predicting fracture risk.
• The REMS Fragility Score, coupled with the absence of ionizing radiation, allows for osteoporosis diagnosis at an earlier stage and more accurate monitoring post diagnosis.
• Although those who are closely following their bone health would do better to compare their DEXA exam results with follow up DEXA exams and REMS exam results to follow up REMS exams, unlike DEXA, REMS may be possible to detect changes in bone density and quality in as early as 4-6 months, unlike DEXA which may typically take 1-2 years. Hence REMS could allow closer follow up and monitoring. This is a huge benefit for those who may need to evaluate treatment response for osteopenia or osteoporosis.

The REMS Echolight exam Category III CPT code is considered a temporary code at this time. We are able to include this code along with your office visit codes to your insurance as the radiologist will go over your results at your visit as an office visit. We request payment of the exam by credit card/cash or HSA at time of your visit. We would then submit claim to your insurance to inform clinical efficacy, utilization, and outcomes of this technology to help allow future insurance coverage. After claim processing, if approved, we would refund the appropriate cost to you.