Bone density test: how often?
How often to repeat a bone density (DEXA or DXA) scan depends on your first result, your age and your risk. The bodies differ: the USPSTF sets no repeat interval, while other sources give schedules from every 2 years to every 15 years. Your doctor decides. (USPSTF, 2025) (BHOF, 2022) (MedlinePlus, 2024)
Who gets a first scan
The USPSTF recommends screening with a DXA scan for women 65 and older, and for postmenopausal women younger than 65 who are at increased risk by a clinical risk assessment (grade B). For men, it found the evidence insufficient (I statement). (USPSTF, 2025) The full details: osteoporosis screening.
How often to repeat it, by source
| Source | What it says about repeat scans |
|---|---|
| USPSTF (2025) | No set interval. In cohort studies, repeating the scan 4 to 8 years later did not improve fracture prediction; people with lower first T-scores and older age moved to osteoporosis faster (USPSTF, 2025) |
| Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (2022) | Every 2 years from 65, with less or more frequent testing for some people; less often after a normal or slightly low first T-score; 1 to 2 years after starting or changing osteoporosis treatment (BHOF, 2022) |
| MedlinePlus (NIH) | Every 2 years at high risk, every 3 to 5 years at moderate risk, every 10 to 15 years at low risk (MedlinePlus, 2024) |
| Medicare Part B | Pays once every 24 months if you meet certain conditions, or more often if medically necessary (Medicare.gov) |
On treatment, the advice also differs: BHOF says a follow-up scan after 1 year of starting or changing treatment, with longer gaps once treatment works, and notes that the American College of Physicians recommends against monitoring bone density in postmenopausal women during a 5-year treatment period, a weak recommendation based on low-quality evidence. (BHOF, 2022)
Who Medicare covers
Medicare Part B covers the test once every 24 months, or more often if medically necessary, if one of these applies: you are a woman whose doctor finds you are estrogen-deficient and at risk for osteoporosis; X-rays show possible osteoporosis, osteopenia or spine fractures; you take or plan to take prednisone or steroid-type drugs; you have primary hyperparathyroidism; or you are being monitored to see if osteoporosis drug therapy works. (Medicare.gov)
What T-scores mean, in plain words
A T-score compares your bone density with a healthy young adult of the same sex; it is used for postmenopausal women and men 50 and older. Younger adults get a Z-score, which compares with people of the same age. (MedlinePlus, 2024)
| T-score | What it means |
|---|---|
| -1.0 or higher | Normal bone density (MedlinePlus, 2024) |
| Between -1.0 and -2.4 | Low bone density (osteopenia); may be at risk of osteoporosis (MedlinePlus, 2024) |
| -2.5 or lower | Probably osteoporosis (MedlinePlus, 2024) |
The T-score is not the whole picture. Most fragility fractures happen in people whose T-score is above -2.5, so doctors may also use a fracture risk tool such as FRAX, which estimates the 10-year chance of a hip or other major osteoporotic fracture. The USPSTF notes concerns about FRAX's race-specific versions. (USPSTF, 2025) Your doctor reads your scan with your history.
Questions people ask
How often should I have a bone density test?
There is no single answer, and the bodies differ. The USPSTF sets no repeat interval. The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation recommends repeating it every 2 years from 65, more or less often for some people. MedlinePlus lists every 2 years at high risk, 3 to 5 years at moderate risk and 10 to 15 years at low risk. Your doctor sets your timing from your result. (USPSTF, 2025) (BHOF, 2022) (MedlinePlus, 2024)
Does Medicare pay for a bone density test every year?
Medicare Part B covers a bone mass measurement once every 24 months if you meet certain conditions, or more often if medically necessary. You pay nothing if the provider accepts assignment. (Medicare.gov)
If my first scan was normal, when do I need another?
Usually not soon. In studies the USPSTF reviewed, it took almost 17 years for 10% of women with normal bone density to develop osteoporosis, compared with about 5 years for women with a T-score of -1.50 to -1.99. BHOF says less frequent testing may suit people whose first T-score was normal or slightly low. (USPSTF, 2025) (BHOF, 2022)
Should men get a bone density test?
The USPSTF found the evidence for screening men insufficient (I statement). BHOF recommends bone density testing for men 70 and older, and for men 50 to 69 based on risk factors. (USPSTF, 2025) (BHOF, 2022)