01Who it's for
Our bone health program is open to most adults at risk of or with bone loss.
- Have a DEXA scan showing osteopenia or osteoporosis
- Have had a fragility fracture (hip, spine, wrist)
- Are on long-term steroids or other bone-thinning medications
- Have a strong family history of osteoporosis
- Are post-menopausal and want bone health screening
- Are an Ontario resident with a valid health card
02How the program works
Initial Intake & Records Review
Send your DEXA scan results (or recent imaging), fracture history, family history, and current medications. Our team reviews within one business day.
Lab Work & DEXA if Needed
Calcium, vitamin D, parathyroid, kidney function, and (if no recent DEXA) a referral for one. DEXA is OHIP-covered for screening at appropriate intervals.
Specialist Consultation
A virtual consult to review DEXA, calculate FRAX (fracture risk score), and design treatment plan. This includes calcium/vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, fall prevention.
Therapy Selection & Start
Right medication for your situation — oral, IV, or injectable. Coordination with pharmacy or infusion clinic as needed.
Ongoing Monitoring
Annual review with bone turnover markers, periodic re-DEXA (typically every 2 years), and assessment for side effects. Therapy adjusted based on response.
03What's included
04Coverage & what's billed
What's covered: physician consultations, requisitioned lab work, in-store vitals review, prescription refills written by your DOS physician, and follow-up visits during the program.
What may be patient-pay: certain weight-loss or specialty medications (depending on private insurance), supplements, and any out-of-program services you elect. Your DOS physician will discuss any patient-pay item with you before prescribing — nothing is added to your file without consent.
05Your Food Basics pharmacist
Each Food Basics location partnered with DOS has at least one pharmacist briefed on the program. They have access to your DOS chart (with your consent) and can answer questions about side effects, interactions, and adjustments without you needing to wait for a physician appointment.
06Eligibility & safety
Our bone health program is open to most adults at risk of or with bone loss.
This program may not be right for you if you:
- Have an acute fracture needing emergency care
- Have severe hypocalcemia (urgent in-person evaluation)
- Are pregnant (most osteoporosis therapies contraindicated)