The orthopedist as clinical densitometrist: cost- and time-effectiveness.

We tested the hypothesis that an orthopedic surgeon and his or her staff can efficiently and economically provide a bone densitometry service. This hypothesis reflects a philosophy that orthopedists should take a more active role in identifying patients at risk for osteoporosis. We evaluated the cost- and time-effectiveness of an orthopedic surgeon and his medical assistant in completing reports and related correspondence for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans conducted in an orthopedic subspecialty clinic.