Medical testing: more doesn't always mean better

CHICAGO (AP) - A spate of recent reports suggest that when it comes to health care, too many Americans are being over-treated.

By: Lindsey Tanner Associated Press Medical Writer | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: March 12, 2010

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CHICAGO (AP) - A spate of recent reports suggest that when it comes to health care, too many Americans are being over-treated.
Experts say there are many reasons, including doctors practicing defensive medicine, and patients used to medical technology who demand extensive tests and treatments.
New evidence and guidelines are recommending a step back, and more thorough doctor-patient conversations about risks and benefits.
A medical journal editorial this week cited President Barack Obama's recent checkup as an example of more care not necessarily being better care. The president had a prostate cancer test that many groups don't recommend routinely, and colon cancer screening that some doctors think isn't the best method.

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