| In the modern medical environment, many people visit | | | | receives around one hundred times the level of |
| the doctor's office expecting to have their symptoms | | | | radiation of a regular x-ray, it is unnerving that some |
| diagnosed through a series of tests. There is no doubt | | | | people are sent to have the procedure because of a |
| that the reasons for this development are complicated, | | | | simple headache. In the case of a patient complaining |
| but unfortunately, it has caused over-testing to | | | | of a headache, these scans are generally used to rule |
| become a serious issue for a large number of patients. | | | | out the possibility of a brain tumor. Studies have |
| The consequences of undergoing unnecessary tests | | | | shown, though, that unless the person is suffering from |
| can come in the form of physical discomfort or illness | | | | other symptoms consistent with a tumor, a CT scan |
| as well as financial strain from medical bills. Both of | | | | probably does more harm than good. Even the |
| these things can put serious strain on an individual or | | | | American Academy of Neurology supports this |
| family, particularly if they are struggling to get by or do | | | | conclusion. |
| not have good insurance. | | | | If you are planning to visit a doctor in hopes of having |
| The over-testing epidemic stems from many places. | | | | a medical issue diagnosed, you should carefully |
| Doctors fear that if they do not order all tests available | | | | consider the advantages and disadvantages of |
| to them, they may miss something and face a | | | | receiving certain tests. Ask your doctor why certain |
| malpractice lawsuit. Other times, physicians own | | | | tests are necessary, and if equally satisfactory results |
| diagnostic equipment so the revenues from running | | | | could be attained through safer testing or a simple |
| tests add to their paychecks. It is not only the doctors' | | | | physical examination. Sometimes a test is conducted |
| faults, though. Patients expect, and even demand, that | | | | even if the results will not have any bearing on how a |
| tests be run, even when their doctor explains that the | | | | person's symptoms are treated. You have a right to |
| test is not needed and may present serious risks. | | | | protect your own health and know why your doctor is |
| Some people's anxiety can only be cured by seeing | | | | having tests performed. |
| the results of a test. | | | | For more information about medical testing and |
| It's somewhat frightening how common serious tests | | | | malpractice, visit the website of Philadelphia medical |
| like CT (or CAT) scans have become. When you | | | | malpractice attorneys Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. |
| consider that a patient receiving a CT scan usually | | | | |