Recognition of osteoporosis by primary care physicians.
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.
Gehlbach
Stephen H
SH
School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 01003, USA. gehlbach@schoolph.umass.edu
Fournier
Maureen
M
Bigelow
Carol
C
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
D004164:Diphosphonates; D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium