A week or so before writing this post, a patient came to my office requesting a colonoscopy. Nothing newsworthy so far. An individual wanted a service that our practice routinely provides. Yet, I was reluctant to accede to her seemingly reasonable request. She wanted a screening examination of her colon in search of a benefit that humans have pursued for as long as humans have existed – peace of mind. I have found that ordinary folks are often confused by the meaning of the term screening. Screening exams can be performed on various organs of the body. When a physician uses the term screening, it means that the patient is not having any symptoms whatsoever. For example, if I advise a colonoscopy on a patient who is having rectal bleeding or diarrhea, this is considered a diagnostic exam, not a screening test. "You're paying the bill? I'll have the steak!" Why does this matter? Insurance companies often reimburse screening and
MD Whistleblower presents vignettes and commentaries on the medical profession. We peek 'behind the medical curtain' and deliver candor and controversy in every post.