Recognition of Osteoporosis by Primary Care Physicians

This study explored the recognition and treatment of osteoporosis and vertebral fracture among older women by primary care physicians. Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 1993 to 1997 were examined for evidence of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis or vertebral fracture d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of public health (1971) 2002-02, Vol.92 (2), p.271-273
Main Authors: Gehlbach, Stephen H, Fournier, Maureen, Bigelow, Carol
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Bisphosphonates
Bone density
Calcium - therapeutic use
Clinical Competence
Diagnosis
Dietary Supplements
Diphosphonates - therapeutic use
Diseases of the osteoarticular system
Doctors
Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Estrogens
Family physicians
Female
Fractures
Humans
Medical diagnosis
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Older people
Older women
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal - complications
Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal - diagnosis
Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal - drug therapy
Osteoporosis. Osteomalacia. Paget disease
Physicians
Practice Patterns, Physicians
Prescription drugs
Primary care
Primary health care
Primary Health Care - standards
Public health
Research and Practice
Spinal Fractures - diagnosis
Spinal Fractures - drug therapy
Spinal Fractures - etiology
Treatment
United States
USA
Vertebrae
Vitamin D
Vitamin D - therapeutic use
White people
Women
Womens health
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Description
Summary:This study explored the recognition and treatment of osteoporosis and vertebral fracture among older women by primary care physicians. Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 1993 to 1997 were examined for evidence of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis or vertebral fracture during visits by White women 60 years and older to primary care physicians. Fewer than 2% of the women received diagnoses of osteoporosis or vertebral fracture, although expected prevalence is 20% to 30%. Appropriate drug treatment, including antiresorptive agents and calcium and vitamin D, was offered to only 36% of the diagnosed patients. Few cases of osteoporosis or vertebral fracture in older women are being diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.
ISSN:0090-0036
1541-0048
DOI:10.2105/AJPH.92.2.271