Effect of self-referral on bone mineral density testing and osteoporosis treatment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite national guidelines recommending bone mineral density screening with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in women aged 65 years and older, many women do not receive initial screening.

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of health system and patient-level interventions designed to increase appropriate DXA testing and osteoporosis treatment through (1) an invitation to self-refer for DXA (self-referral); (2) self-referral plus patient educational materials; and (3) usual care (UC, physician referral).

Research design

Parallel, group-randomized, controlled trials performed at Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW) and Kaiser Permanente Georgia (KPG).

Subjects

Women aged 65 years and older without a DXA in past 5 years.

Measures

DXA co

SUBMITTER: Warriner AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4101066 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature