Interventions to increase dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans should target the characteristics that were observed to be negatively associated with such screening, a recent study found. Although DXA testing is recommended for all women ≥65 years and covered by Medicare, 40% of women on Medicare report never having had the test. In a longitudinal cohort of 3,492 women, ≥70 years, followed for 2 decades, researchers identified risk factors that should be targeted to improve DXA testing rates. They found:

• DXA use was positively associated with being Hispanic American, better cognition, higher income, having arthritis, using other preventative services, and living in Florida or other southern states.

• DXA use was negatively associated with age, being African-American, being overweight or obese, having mobility limitations, and smoking.

Citation: Lou Y, Edmonds SW, Jones MP, Ullrich R, et al. Predictors of bone mineral density testing among older women on Medicare. [Published online ahead of print June 30, 2016]. Osteoporosis Int. doi:10.1007/s00198-016-3688-2.