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When endocrinologist Tom Thomas, M.D., an avid local and national lecturer on osteoporosis, noted the lack of a local clinic that provided focused, comprehensive treatment for this disorder in Houston, he saw the need to create a center at Kelsey-Seybold that would provide patients with the excellence in care that this serious disease demands. In June 2007, Dr. Thomas helped found the Osteoporosis Clinic at Kelsey-Seybold.

Osteoporosis is characteristically a painless disease, but because of the serious medical problems it causes, the costs incurred by those living with it can be overwhelming. Click here to learn more about Osteoporosis.

Kelsey-Seybold’s Osteoporosis Clinic is aimed at offering treatments that may result in significant benefits to patients who have a progressed form of the disease or for patients who have been intolerant to previous therapy attempts.

A Silent Disease
Unlike coronary artery disease or diabetes, bone health is often unrecognized since so many patients are asymptomatic. Without adequate treatment, major hospitalization from injuries such as hip and spine fractures may be required.

“If we can provide an assessment tool to help diagnose and guide treatment appropriately from the beginning, we may be able to dramatically improve patient compliance and long-term fracture rates,” says Dr. Thomas.

Approximately 10 to 15 percent of Dr. Thomas’ practice at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic deals with osteoporosis, and because estrogen deficiency affects bone density, many post-menopausal women seek care at the center.

Raising the Bar
Patients of the Osteoporosis Clinic have untreated osteoporosis or osteopenia, haven’t responded well to previous treatments, have been intolerant to the medicine prescribed or have failed treatment completely. Both Kelsey-Seybold and non-Kelsey-Seybold patients can be referred to this service.

Dr. Thomas said the clinic helps raise the standard for osteoporosis care in Houston. “We take osteoporosis management from the diagnosis to the treatment level,” Dr. Thomas said.

Excellence in Education
In addition to treatment, the Osteoporosis Clinic provides education to patients using a multidisciplinary approach.

Pharmacists and pharmacy residents work in the clinic, promoting patient education about bone density, setting expectations for the patient’s medical therapies and providing improved management of possible medication side effects.

“Patients learn why they are taking their medications, what likely side effects they will encounter and the benefits of medication for their long-term bone health,” Dr. Thomas said.

Thus far, the results in bone density follow-up testing and bone markers have been favorable with treatment  at the Clinic.

“We’ve had excellent treatment results and compliance rates,” Dr. Thomas said. “Our osteoporosis patients are showing improvements because the patients are much more empowered.”

For More Information
To request an appointment at the Kelsey-Seybold Osteoporosis Clinic, call 713-442-4000. To learn more about Dr. Thomas, click here.