Persistent underutilization in osteoporosis screening among US women aged ≥65 years persists, despite significant changes in utilization in women aged 50 to 64 years and those aged ≥80 years, in accordance with national recommendations, a recent study found. Participants included 1,638,454 women aged ≥50 years with no prior history of osteoporosis diagnosis, osteoporosis drug use, or hip fracture, from 2008 to 2014. Osteoporosis screening during the most recent 2-year period of continuous enrollment was assessed. Researchers found:

• Overall screening rates were low: 21.1%, 26.5%, and 12.8% among women ages 50 to 64, 65 to 79, and ≥80 years.
• Secular trends differed significantly by age.
• Utilization among women aged 50 to 64 years declined 31.4% between 2008 and 2014, changed little among women aged 65 to 79 years, and increased 37.7% among women aged ≥80 years, respectively.
• Non-Hispanic black women were least likely to be screened; non-Hispanic Asian and Hispanic women were most likely to undergo screening.