Overtreated

Today’s post is from Ruth at Schimelpfenig Library:

Overtreated: Why Too Much Medicine Is Making Us Sicker and Poorer by Shannon Brownlee

Do you really need that CT scan or MRI?  What drives the doctor’s decision to order it?  Is it because it is really necessary or might it possibly be done to avoid lawsuits or to profit the hospital’s bottom line?  After all, the number of scans performed in a hospital’s radiology department makes money for the hospital. 

Brownlee points out that all too often unnecessary tests are routinely ordered. The two main reasons given were patient demand and fear of lawsuits.  If a test was not done, and something showed up later, the doctor has left himself open for a lawsuit.  With patient demand, the doctor will often acquiesce rather than argue with the patient.  After all, the patient can go elsewhere and find another doctor who will order the test.

This eye opening book examines the idea that too much medicine may actually be more harmful than too little.  Tests and procedures can at times involve more risk than if nothing had been done.  The author encourages patients to ask questions so that the reasons for tests and procedures can be thoroughly understood and informed decisions made.

As we all know healthcare in America is a big topic of the current presidential campaign.  Shannon Brownlee suggests some much needed new directions for our healthcare system.