>>> we're back now with the important health news that affects millions of women who face a hidden danger as they age. doctors are sounding the alarm about osteoporosis, urging more older will to be screened. at the same time, there are concerns the tests are done too often. at least for some women . we get our report from our chief science correspondent robert bazell .
>> reporter: a bone density test usually done on older women measures the risk of getting osteoporosis and dangerous fractures that often follow. but women with healthy bones do not need to be tested as often as they have been because few will actually develop osteoporosis.
>> it is unnecessary to keep screening every two or three years.
>> reporter: dr. ethel cyrus, an osteoporosis specialist, agrees with the study's results, but emphasizes the importance of getting an initial test at age 65.
>> medicare says when you're 65, if you haven't had a bone density , you should have one. and yet only about 20% of general medicare recipients do the test. it should be probably 95%.
>> reporter: and what about younger women ? well, the bone starts to thin after menopause, usually around age 50. experts say it is not worth the money to test most women at that age, because there is not much risk.
>> i think the issue has to do with resources, health care resources and how we spend our money.
>> reporter: she says a woman at age 50 should get the test, because she had a fracture since age 45. a parent who fractured a hip, takes certain medications, or has certain diseases that cause bone thinning. she reiterates that all women should get the test at age 65. the latest study finds that if their bones are strong, they don't need another test for 15 years.
>> be grateful you had good genes, continue to do the good things everybody should do for bone health, get enough calcium, enough vitamin d , be physically acti active. as you grow older, be aware if something changes, you need to revisit the whole question.
>> reporter: if the test finds thinning bones, she and many experts say the woman needs treatment with medication and frequent follow-up scans to reduce the risk of fractures that can be dangerous, even deadly. robert bazell , nbc news, new york.
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