SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO BONE MINERAL DENSITY (BMD) TESTING IN ONTARIO

Tell Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health, Patrick Dicerni, Assistant Deputy Minister, Health Programs and Delivery Division, Ontario Ministry of Health and your local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP): Restore Access to BMD Testing in Ontario

Over 80% of all fractures in people 50+ are caused by osteoporosis.

The current access as outlined by OHIP is not consistent with the Osteoporosis Canada 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Osteoporosis in Canada and is not in the best interests of patient care.
Many Ontarians have had their BMD tests cancelled since April 1, 2026.
The new OHIP BMD criteria has neglected those who have other secondary causes for rapid bone loss including Cancer Chemotherapy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.
Self funding of bone density testing is not allowed under OHIP rules.

What This Means

While discussions are occurring, a resolution to this issue needs to be well thought out and may take time.
Until a solution is agreed upon - interim or long-term, many BMD tests will continue to be cancelled and could be delayed for up to 3 years.
This has a potentially negative impact on patient care.
- An estimated 500,000 BMD tests were performed in Ontario in 2005 or an average of about 10,000 tests per week. This number has surely increased and is much higher in 2026.
- As more BMD tests are cancelled, there is risk of more doctor visits being deferred, resulting in potential increased risk to optimal patient care.

What You Can Do

Send a Message to Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, Patrick Dicerni, Assistant Deputy Minister, Health Programs and Delivery Division, Ontario Ministry of Health and your local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) to restore access to Testing in Ontario and to Stop the Cancellation of BMD Appointments while negotiations are in progress for a solution.

Ontarians deserve a healthcare system that protects them from unnecessary fractures.

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