Atlanta, Georgia -- New research suggests that many older women may be able to get fewer bone tests.
The osteoporosis screenings are recommended for women after menopause to check for bone loss. A government task force advises that all women over 65 get a scan. But no one has known how often they should get those screenings.
A new study finds women can safely wait 15 years if their initial bone scan shows no big problems.
Bone mineral density tests are usually done with X-rays and cost around $250.
The findings are published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine
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