Companies Partner to Offer Artificial Intelligence-Based Bone Density Screening

Feb. 19, 2025 — SimonMed Imaging and HeartLung Technologies have signed a strategic partnership to offer HeartLung's AI-enabled automated bone mineral density screening for opportunistic detection of bone loss (osteopenia and osteoporosis) in CT scans. This partnership is a milestone in the mission of both organizations to make cutting-edge technology accessible and affordable to patients. This AI solution will help Americans become aware of their bone loss before they face negative consequences such as bone fracture.

"We are thrilled that Dr. Simon and his outstanding team at SimonMed Imaging Centers chose our innovative AI solution to help their patients detect osteoporosis early,” said Dr. Morteza Naghavi, MD, Founder and President of HeartLung Technologies. "Early detection enables early treatment which prevents adverse outcomes. This partnership is in line with our commitment to advancing preventive healthcare through AI-enabled technologies."

Recent media coverage has highlighted the importance of osteoporosis screening. Studies have shown between 21% to 30% of people who suffer a hip fracture die within a year. More women suffer from osteoporosis and fracture than heart attack, stroke and breast cancer together^1-4. While too few women are screened for osteoporosis, even fewer men receive this necessary screening test.

HeartLung’s AutoBMD AI opportunistically detects osteoporosis in CT scans done for other reasons so the patient receives no extra X-ray radiation or scanning time. The AI uses data with the existing CT scan images and generates a colorful and patient-friendly bone density report with Z score and T score similar to what DEXA scanners provide. FDA cleared HeartLung’s AutoBMD AI as a DEXA-equivalent medical device for opportunistic detection of low bone density in CT scans.

"We are excited to integrate new AI technologies that enhance patient care across our nationwide practice," said Dr. John Simon, founder and CEO of SimonMed Imaging. "This innovation has the potential to identify silent osteoporosis early, empowering patients to take proactive steps to improve bone health and reduce fracture risks."

Dr. John Simon, MD, founder and CEO of SimonMed Imaging, played a pivotal role in establishing the partnership with HeartLung Technologies. With over 30 years of expertise in body imaging, women’s imaging, and interventional radiology, Dr. Simon's collaboration with HeartLung aims to bring cutting-edge AI diagnostics to millions of people who need them.

References:

1. Meyer AC, Ek S, Drefahl S, Ahlbom A, Hedström M, Modig K. Trends in Hip Fracture Incidence, Recurrence, and Survival by Education and Comorbidity: A Swedish Register-based Study. Epidemiology. 2021;32(3):425-433. doi:10.1097/EDE.0000000000001321 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8011509/)

2. Sarafrazi N, Wambogo EA, Shepherd JA. Osteoporosis or low bone mass in older adults: United States, 2017–2018. NCHS Data Brief, no 405. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2021. doi:10.15620/cdc:103477 (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db405.htm)

3. Sudhakar S. Osteoporosis screening guidelines updated: Do you need a bone scan? NBC News. 2023. (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/womens-health/osteoporosis-screening-guidelines-updated-bone-scan-rcna186871)

4. Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. Bone health and osteoporosis: A report of the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (US): Arlington, VA. 2025. (https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/)