(NECN: Kristen Doucet) - Routine doctor visits can often result in an discussion of other medical tests. In some cases, it’s ones you don’t need.
Experts say this approach can be costly in terms of screening risks and health care dollars.
“If an unnecessary test is done and it yields a minor abnormality, it’s difficult for either the patient or the physician to ignore the impulse to do further testing,” said UMass Memorial family physician Ronald Adler.
To combat this issue, nine medical specialty groups created a list of 45 medical tests and procedures that they say are unnecessary.
It's an educational initiative called "choosing wisely," which is directed at both patients and physicians.
“They reviewed their appropriate use criteria, which is used among physicians to evaluate payment for procedure as an allocation of resources,” said UMass Memorial cardiologist David McManus.
The list includes bone density scans, frequent colon cancer screenings and chest x-rays before minor surgery.
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Cardiologist McManus says patients who have specific symptoms need these tests but says there are exceptions.
“In a lower risk patient, that doesn't have any symptoms it may not be necessary to use resource intensive and expensive tests,” he said.
Doctors say the list is intended to start a discussion between doctors and patients.
The main goal is to improve patient care and reduce the waste of health care resources.
“Work collaboratively with your doctor,” said Dr. Adler. “Try to understand what is being recommended and also why some things might be recommended against.”
