In the modern medical environment, many people visit the doctor’s office expecting to have their symptoms diagnosed through a series of tests. There is no doubt that the reasons for this development are complicated, but unfortunately, it has caused over-testing to become a serious issue for a large number of patients. The consequences of undergoing unnecessary tests can come in the form of physical discomfort or illness as well as financial strain from medical bills. Both of these things can put serious strain on an individual or family, particularly if they are struggling to get by or do not have good insurance.

The over-testing epidemic stems from many places. Doctors fear that if they do not order all tests available to them, they may miss something and face a malpractice lawsuit. Other times, physicians own diagnostic equipment so the revenues from running tests add to their paychecks. It is not only the doctors’ faults, though. Patients expect, and even demand, that tests be run, even when their doctor explains that the test is not needed and may present serious risks. Some people’s anxiety can only be cured by seeing the results of a test.

It’s somewhat frightening how common serious tests like CT (or CAT) scans have become. When you consider that a patient receiving a CT scan usually receives around one hundred times the level of radiation of a regular x-ray, it is unnerving that some people are sent to have the procedure because of a simple headache. In the case of a patient complaining of a headache, these scans are generally used to rule out the possibility of a brain tumor. Studies have shown, though, that unless the person is suffering from other symptoms consistent with a tumor, a CT scan probably does more harm than good. Even the American Academy of Neurology supports this conclusion.

If you are planning to visit a doctor in hopes of having a medical issue diagnosed, you should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of receiving certain tests. Ask your doctor why certain tests are necessary, and if equally satisfactory results could be attained through safer testing or a simple physical examination. Sometimes a test is conducted even if the results will not have any bearing on how a person’s symptoms are treated. You have a right to protect your own health and know why your doctor is having tests performed.

For more information about medical testing and malpractice, visit the website of Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.

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