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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The study by Andrade et al¹ adds to our knowledge about the gap in medical care for osteoporosis at the time of a fracture. This gap has been described in academic² and community hospitals.^3-4 In managed care settings the cause for this gap is not lack of health insurance. In fact, in managed care practices, integrated medical services promote communication between orthopedic surgeons and primary care physicians. We can hypothesize that other explanations for this gap may include low awareness of osteoporosis in physicians, age bias, or competing comorbidities. In any case, we evidence that older adults are less likely to receive adequate care. The evidence from randomized clinical trials demonstrates significant treatment efficacy in older adults. The findings of Andrade and colleagues are in sharp contrast with managed care organizations' philosophy of emphasizing preventive services.

We are challenged to develop programs that may address this gap in care. We . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Beatrice J. Edwards, MD
Chicago, Ill

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Low Frequency of Treatment of Osteoporosis Among Postmenopausal Women Following a Fracture
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Arch Intern Med. 2003;163(17):2052-2057.
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