Screening Women for Osteoporosis Up Dramatically

The proportion of women aged 65 and over on Medicare who said that they had been screened for osteoporosis increased from 34% in 2001 to 64% in 2006, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

According to the survey by the federal agency, white women experienced the geatest increase in bone density or bone mass screenings during the period (36% to 67%).

The agency’s analysis found that:

• Hispanic women reported the most dramatic increase in screening, from 22% to 55%.
• The percentage of black women who reported undergoing osteoporosis screening also rose significantly, from 16% to 38%.
• While all women reported increases in osteoporosis screening, income was a factor. By 2006, only 46% of poor women reported having had a screening test, compared with 80% of high-income women.

Two thirds of the estimated 34 million Americans at risk of developing osteoporosis are women. The disease can lead to bone fracture, reduced mobility and even death. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine osteoporosis screening of women aged 65 and older.

Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality