Healthcare Providers

Osteoporosis care focuses on both preventing the first fracture (primary prevention) and preventing further fractures after an initial one (secondary prevention).

Managing osteoporosis may involve different healthcare providers, and the right care for you depends on your health needs and the cause of your osteoporosis.

If you are at risk for your first fracture, your family doctor or GP will usually be your first contact. They can assess risk factors like age, family history, and lifestyle, and may suggest treatments or lifestyle changes to strengthen your bones. Your general practice team may refer you dietitians, physiotherapists and registered exercise professionals for their expertise. In some cases, they might refer you to specialists such as endocrinologists or rheumatologists for more complex management.

If you have already had a fragility fracture, prevention of any further fracture is vital. Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) are specialised multidisciplinary teams that include a Senior Lead Clinician, an FLS Coordinator (often a nurse or allied health professional), and an FLS Administrator.

The FLS Teams support people aged 50 and over who have had a fragility fracture by assessing their bone health, future fracture risk, and falls risk. They may also refer you for a bone density scan (DXA), recommend osteoporosis-specific treatments and refer patients to falls prevention programmes. FLS will develop a long-term care plan with you to support your general practice in managing your bone health over the long term.