Objective: To assess the frequency of osteoporosis risk assessment of postmenopausal women by family practice faculty and residents.
Methods: Review of 263 charts of women over 50 from 3 residency clinics. Charts were evaluated for evidence of osteoporosis risk assessments or discussion of prevention strategies during the past 2 years.
Results: Overall, 35% of the charts contained documentation of some discussion of osteoporosis. Female physicians discussed osteoporosis more than their male colleagues (p < 0.05). Documentation of osteoporosis discussions decreased as women aged (p < 0.05). There was no difference in rates among clinics or between residents and faculty.
Conclusions: The documentation of osteoporosis discussions with high risk women was low in this sample. Strategies to improve osteoporosis screening are necessary.