Doctors Should Test Less, But They Still Won't

There is an overabundance of testing in our medical system. Patients are put through extensive trials in order to garner results which physicians can then use to diagnose. However, perhaps many of these tests are not necessary and are simply costing the insurance industry money they shouldn't have to spend.

In a recent article in the Psychology of Medicine blog, Psychology professor Gary B. Rollman looked at the issue of over-testing and how to change the mindset of physicians in order to ensure unneeded tests would be eliminated. Findings show that less testing is warranted for patients, since routine screening does not need to be ordered for those at less risk, but will physicians follow these suggestions? Probably not. And it's not because they want to take advantage of the system, but perhaps more out of reliance on trusting their own instincts.

Physicians have learned to rely on their own judgement. Their experiences and training have prepared them to make decisions on the best avenue of care and what tests might be beneficial in order to treat and diagnose. Despite having study results that say they shouldn't, doctors are more apt to keep performing in the way they always have because it's dependable. This type of thinking, while comfortable, does not do the patient any favors. Exposing them to testing that they don't need not only puts strain on their finances, but also their bodies. It's important that physicians realize they might not always be right and that changes may be needed in order to provide the best care possible.