The role of physician communication in improving compliance with mammography screening among women ages 50-79 in a commercial HMO.

Despite its efficacy, mammography is substantially underutilized by older women, even those who have access to regular health care. The factors influencing mammogram compliance status are distinctively examined in this study using a commercial health maintenance organization (HMO) population of women ages 50-79 in which there are no known barriers (financial, access, or knowledge) to mammogram compliance. Two variables were significant predictors of compliance status based on logistic regression analyses: belief that a woman should get a mammogram one or more times per year, and willingness to get a mammogram if the physician recommends it. Issues surrounding consistent physician referral are discussed.