Jennifer Feinberg - Chilliwack Progress
Published - February 23, 2009 6:00 p.m.

The large population of seniors in Chilliwack was a key factor in bringing a new clinic to town that measures bone density.

“The need for expertly performed bone density testing for patients is critical,” says Dr. David Kendler, owner of the new service.

He plans to open the clinic with the help of a technologist next week on Hodgins Avenue.

“This is a test appropriate for aging seniors, so it’s very appropriate to have it available in close proximity of a large population,” he tells The Progress.

“The numbers are certainly sufficient to justify bringing in a bone density instrument to Chilliwack, even with the existing one in Abbotsford.”

A similar clinic opened just last month at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital.

In researching Chilliwack as a potential location, Dr. Kendler discovered it had “one of largest” seniors populations in the province.

The expert says he also consulted “extensively” with local physicians in Chilliwack prior to making a decision.

“The result was they were strongly in favour of such a clinic to complement the hospital program,” Kendler says.

The specialized service will be covered under the province’s medical services plan, meaning it’s free for those with a B.C. Care card.

“In order to make informed decisions about treatment for patients with this debilitating disease, family doctors and specialists need accurate information about bone health,” he explains.

With osteoporosis, bones can become weakened without pain and it can actually go undetected for years, says Kendler, who is also the director of Prohealth Clinical Research in Vancouver.

“Our view is to integrate the bone density service with the other clinical services in the community, and we will work closely with physicians and clinics in Chilliwack and the region,” he says.

The test is painless and each scan takes less than 10 minutes. The technologist uses a machine to scan the spine, or hip for example. The result is a bone mineral density measurement, used in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of osteoporosis and other bone disorders.

Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, an independent economic development wing of the city, assisted Kendler in doing his research on the local community.

“Developments within our local health care sector are instrumental in CEPCO‚‘s recruitment efforts,” says CEPCO Chair Trevin Rogers. “Today more and more of the businesses and investors that contact our office inquire about local health care services.”

It’s also a question of access, since many seniors are mobility challenged.

“Having this service available will improve the quality of health care offered in our community,” says Mayor Sharon Gaetz. “It will provide our physicians and patients with the information needed for timely diagnosis and treatment.”

The new clinic, which includes Drs. Enns, Dueck, and Bartel, will open on March 1, 2009, and is located at 101-45625 Hodgins Avenue. Physicians can refer patients by calling 1-866-226-6143, or by faxing requisitions to 1-866-236-8030. Referral forms at www.prohealthcr.ca.

jfeinberg@theprogress.com