Adherence to osteoporosis medications after patient and physician brief education: post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To examine whether adherence to osteoporosis medications can be improved by educational interventions targeted at primary care physicians (PCPs) and patients.

Study Design: Post hoc analysis of data collected as part of a prospective randomized controlled trial to improve initiation of osteoporosis management such as bone mineral density testing or osteoporosis drug initiation.

Methods: The trial was conducted among patients at risk for osteoporosis enrolled in Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.

Improving care of patients at-risk for osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Despite accurate diagnostic tests and effective therapies, the management of osteoporosis has been observed to be suboptimal in many settings. We tested the effectiveness of an intervention to improve care in patients at-risk of osteoporosis.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Interactive voice response telephone calls to enhance bone mineral density testing.

Objective: Bone mineral density (BMD) testing is a key tool used to diagnose and treat osteoporosis. We assessed the rate of scheduling BMD tests among health plan members at risk for osteoporosis who received interactive voice response (IVR) calls.

Study Design: Cohort study.

The effect of a comprehensive, mail-based motivational program for patients receiving lipid-lowering therapy.

The effects of a mail-based compliance program for patients receiving lipid-lowering therapy were assessed in a retrospective, observational study. During the first year of the "Close to the Heart" program, 79% of 3,077 previously noncompliant patients filed claims for statin medications, resulting in increased percentages of patients who reached optimal or near-optimal serum lipid goals. Among patients who restarted therapy, approximately 72% were more than 70% compliant.