Increased osteoporosis screening rates associated with the provision of a preventive health examination

Objectives: We determined the frequencies of (1) female patients aged 65 years and older having bone density measurement performed and (2) prescription therapy use among osteoporotic women. Methods: We completed a retrospective chart audit to assess our adherence to Physician Quality Reporting Initiative guidelines. Women aged 65 to 75 with an office visit between June 1 to November 30, 2007, were divided into 3 subgroups: those who had a recent preventive general medical examination (GME), those who received one in the last 10 years, and those who had not. We determined osteoporosis screening rates for all 3 groups. The first group then underwent electronic medical record review to obtain patient demographics, determine bone mineral density results, and review if those with osteoporosis were receiving prescription treatment. Results: Ninety-six percent of 305 female patients seen for a GME during the study period had completed bone mineral density testing. This was a screening rate significantly greater than that for patients with an earlier GME and those who never had one in our offices (70% and 50%, respectively). Seventyseven percent of recent GME patients had abnormal T scores. Low weight and body mass index were significantly associated with osteoporotic T scores. Seventy-four percent of patients whose latest T scores were less than -2.5 were receiving prescription therapy. Conclusions: Female patients who completed a recent GME had extraordinarily high rates of screening for osteoporosis. We believe this demonstrates the importance of a dedicated preventive health examination as well as the increased significance that physicians and patients currently place on this behavior.