The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation article noted: “three out of four U.S. physicians say the frequency with which doctors order but just as many say that the average physician orders unnecessary medical tests and procedures at least once a week…”
“…half of physicians think they are in the best position to address the problem and have ultimate responsibility for making sure patients avoid unnecessary care. Yet at the same time, more than half the physicians surveyed say they’d give an insistent patient a medical test they knew to be unnecessary.”
“The survey comes two years after the launch of Choosing Wisely, a ground-breaking effort to encourage physicians and patients to think and talk about whether certain medical tests and procedures are really necessary for their condition. Since April 2012, 60 medical specialty societies have joined the campaign and identified more than 250 tests and procedures they say are overused or inappropriate.”
“Old habits are hard to break, but this research suggests that America’s physicians are slowly making progress in efforts to reduce unnecessary care….Avoiding unnecessary medical care is important because care that is not needed can be harmful to patients, and unnecessary care raises health care costs for everyone. Physicians and patients both play roles in reducing the overuse of medical care in America, and this research suggests Choosing Wisely is making a difference.”
“Conversations between doctors and patients about what care really is and isn’t necessary have always been hard. Only by shedding light on these issues, and being transparent about which tests and procedures might not be needed, will we help create a sustainable culture of health in America.”
Click here to read the full Robert Wood Johnson Foundation article “Survey: Physicians are Aware that Many Medical Tests and Procedures are Unnecessary, See Themselves as Solution.”
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Doctor, Did You Wash Your Hands? ™ provides information to consumers on understanding, managing and navigating health care options.
Jonathan M. Metsch, Dr.P.H., is Clinical Professor, Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Adjunct Professor, Baruch College ( C.U.N.Y.), Rutgers School of Public Health, and Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.
This blog shares general information about understanding and navigating the health care system. For specific medical advice about your own problems, issues and options talk to your personal physician.