OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an osteoporosis therapy intervention program in a health plan setting. METHODS: A clinical team of pharmacists, obstetricians/gynecologists and endocrinologists designed and implemented an educational initiative for physicians and members. Medical and pharmacy claims data for female enrollees over the age of 40 were retrieved for the time period of July, 2002 through June, 2003. Criteria for targeted patients included a fracture history (defined by ICD-9 and CPT codes) and negative history of estrogen/progestin use over the 1-year period, and four-month negative history of osteoporosis therapy (alendronate, risedronate, calcitonin, raloxifene, or teriparatide). Physicians received a patient list, an educational tool for management of osteoporosis and coupons for a free first-month supply of a bisphosphonate. Targeted members received a 17-page handbook highlighting drug treatment, lifestyle modifications, and information regarding prescription drug discount programs. The impact of the intervention was analyzed using pharmacy claims data for eligible patients with pharmacy benefits. Primary outcome measure was defined as the percent of patients with a claim for an osteoporosis agent at three, six, and nine-months post-intervention. Additionally, a member survey was conducted six-months post-intervention to evaluate the member mailing. RESULTS: There were 1612 program participants. At three, six and nine-months respectively, 3.76% (32/852), 5.12% (40/781) and 5.97% (42/704) of eligible patients had a claim for an osteoporosis agent. A 23% survey response rate was achieved (364/1612). Survey results indicated 18% of responders were taking prescription osteoporosis medications at that time. Post-intervention, 19% of the responders made a doctor appointment, 15% attended the appointment, 17% received a prescription, 13% received medication samples, and 11% filled the prescription . CONCLUSION: Survey results indicate higher rate of medication use compared to claims database analysis, which does not capture medication sampling. Another mailing has been done to continue to improve osteoporosis care.