title: Recognition of osteoporosis by primary care physicians.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study explored the recognition and treatment of osteoporosis and vertebral fracture among older women by primary care physicians.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Few cases of osteoporosis or vertebral fracture in older women are being diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 01003, USA. gehlbach@schoolph.umass.edu
authors.forename: Stephen H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Gehlbach
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fournier
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bigelow
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002118:Calcium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002983:Clinical Competence; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D014481:United States; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D004164:Diphosphonates; D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium