Approaches to osteoporosis: screening and implementing treatment in clinical practice.

: A number of provider and patient barriers contribute to the underrecognition and undertreatment of osteoporosis. This article guides primary care providers through the assessment of at-risk patients and reviews the criteria for a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Preventive approaches and clinical decision-making surrounding treatment initiation are also reviewed. Finally, strategies to improve patient compliance and persistence with therapy are discussed. Available guidelines and recommendations are emphasized throughout.