New Bone Density Clinic opens in Petoskey, targets osteoporosis care

Munson Healthcare launched a Bone Density Clinic at the Petoskey Community Health Center on November 13, 2025, aiming to close a widespread care gap in diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and low bone density across northern Michigan. The clinic will provide targeted appointments led by Dr. Victoria Buescher, an internal medicine provider at the Petoskey clinic, to assess risk factors, review DEXA scan results, create individualized treatment plans and recommend ongoing monitoring schedules.

The clinic is designed to serve patients who meet clinical criteria, including those already diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia by DEXA, individuals who have suffered low energy fragility fractures, and people with major risk factors such as low body weight, a parental hip fracture, a prior non traumatic vertebral fracture, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, vitamin D deficiency, or long term use of certain medications like glucocorticoids, aromatase inhibitors and some chemotherapies. Visits will be covered by insurance for patients who meet criteria. Self referral is possible and primary care or specialist referrals are also available. The health system provided the Petoskey Community Health Center location and a scheduling phone number in its release for patients seeking appointments.

Osteoporosis has long been underdiagnosed, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to specialty care and screening can be limited. Left unchecked, low bone density increases the risk of fractures that can lead to loss of independence, prolonged rehabilitation, and greater use of emergency and inpatient services. By centralizing assessment and treatment, the new clinic could reduce preventable fractures, lower health care costs over time and improve quality of life for older adults and others at risk in Grand Traverse County and surrounding areas.

Beyond immediate clinical benefits, the clinic raises questions about equity and access. Insurance coverage for qualifying visits is an important step, but barriers may remain for people who do not meet strict criteria, who face transportation challenges, or who lack awareness that they are at risk. The presence of a dedicated clinic also underscores the need for stronger primary care screening protocols, easier access to DEXA scanning and community outreach to reach populations with higher prevalence of risk factors, including people with chronic inflammatory illnesses and those receiving long term medications that affect bone health.

Munson Healthcare officials positioned the clinic as part of broader efforts to close gaps in bone health care. For patients and families in Grand Traverse County, the new service offers a clearer pathway to diagnosis and treatment. As the clinic begins serving patients, its impact on fracture rates, hospital admissions and long term care needs will be an important measure of success for local public health and health equity goals.