The routine use of health risk appraisals: results from a national study of physician organizations.

Purpose: To document use of health risk appraisals (HRAs) by U.S. physician organizations as part of their overall approach to health promotion and to identify associated organizational characteristics.

Methods: Telephone survey of 1590 physician organizations in the United States; surveys were conducted in organizations comprising 20 or more physicians and were conducted between September 2000 and September 2001 (70% response rate). Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to examine the association between organizational characteristics and routine administration of HRAs.

Results: Only 22.5% of physician organizations in the United States routinely administer HRAs. External quality incentives, information technology capabilities, and status as a medical group vs. an independent practice association are associated with greater odds of the routine use of HRA.

Discussion: Increased use of external quality incentives and information technology in physician organizations may be important in supporting the use of HRAs.