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.