Osteoporosis Screening as a Model for Effective Preventive Healthcare in Concierge Medicine

Background : Annually, 2 million osteoporosis-related fractures result in 400,000 deaths and cost $12-17 billion in the United States. We examined the rate of bone density screening in our concierge medicine practice and compared this with previously published data for other patient populations. Methods : Using our electronic medical record system, we conducted a retrospective review of all patients followed in our group practice to determine the proportion of eligible patients who have been screened for osteoporosis. We present these results along with data for comparator populations. Results : In our population of 112 women age 50 or greater, 106 (94.6%) had been screened and of 63 women age 65 or greater, 61 (96.8%) had been screened. Our screening rate in Medicare age women (96.8%) compares favorably with previously published screening rates for Medicare HMO, Medicare PPO and MDVIP patients (74.2, 78.5 and 90.3% respectively). Conclusions : These data support our notion that limiting patient population size and effectively using a comprehensive electronic medical record in a systematic approach to prevention results in higher rates of osteoporosis screening.