Active Referral Intervention following Fragility Fractures Leads to Enhanced Osteoporosis Follow-Up Care

Table 2

Initial telephone script used to survey patients who sustained a fragility fracture 6–8 weeks after hospital encounter.

(1) Do you know what osteoporosis is?; (a) Yes; (b) No; (c) Not sure; If answers (b) or (c), then read: let me explain; osteoporosis and how it may relate to you. Osteoporosis is; a disease that makes the bones in the body fragile. Some; people have this disease and do not know it. Because you; have had a fracture, you are at higher risk of fracturing; again.
(2) Have you ever been diagnosed with osteoporosis?; (a) Yes; (b) No
(3) Are you currently seeing a primary care doctor or osteoporosis specialist for your bone health?; (a) Yes; (b) No; (C) I do not know
(4) Have you had a bone density study performed since your fracture?; (a) Yes; (b) No; (c) I do not know
(5) Are you currently being treated for osteoporosis?; (a) Yes; If yes, please specify prescription treatment (medication).; FDA approved: bisphosphonates [fosamax (alendronate),; actonel (risedronate), boniva (ibandronate), reclast; (zoledronic acid)]; estrogen replacement therapy; evista; (raloxifene); Forteo (teriparaitide); miacalcin nasal spray; (only for vertebral fractures); (b) No; (c) I do not know

Education: The fracture (broken bone) that you sustained is associated with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disorder of bones that results in weakened bones that are more susceptible to fracturing (breaking). Having sustained a break in your bone like you have this time places you at a significant increased risk for breaking a bone again in the future if you do not seek treatment. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that patients who have had an osteoporotic fracture (as is likely in your case) have a bone density study and be placed on a prescription medication to prevent further fractures. The UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery recommends that you have a follow-up visit with your primary care physician or specialist for your osteoporosis. A representative from the Osteoporosis Center will be contacting you to make an appointment in the near future.