Needless Medical Tests
Nine medical groups are asking doctors and patients to think twice before ordering dozens of common treatments and practices-->By: Ray Doughty
Updated: April 10, 2012
Every year millions of Americans pay the price for unnecessary medical treatment and a panel of national medical experts is trying to spread the word that safe is not always better safe than sorry.
Nine organizations representing some 375-thousand specialists are pinpointing overused tests and procedures such as EKGs and stress tests are exposing you to things that might have side effects that put the patients at unnecessary risk.
The organizations have started a campaign called Choosing Wisely and it's targeted at educating both doctors and patients.
Some worry the campaign to cut back is actually an effort to cut back on care.
But Consumer Reports, which is part of the effort, says this is about empowering patients.
Each of the nine specialty groups has come up with a list of five key questions for doctors and patients.
For more information, you can go to the web site - www.choosingwisely.org.
Nine organizations representing some 375-thousand specialists are pinpointing overused tests and procedures such as EKGs and stress tests are exposing you to things that might have side effects that put the patients at unnecessary risk.
The organizations have started a campaign called Choosing Wisely and it's targeted at educating both doctors and patients.
Some worry the campaign to cut back is actually an effort to cut back on care.
But Consumer Reports, which is part of the effort, says this is about empowering patients.
Each of the nine specialty groups has come up with a list of five key questions for doctors and patients.
For more information, you can go to the web site - www.choosingwisely.org.
