Would a doctor ever order a diagnostic test that was not medically necessary? I’ll give you a hint to this ‘yes or no’ question; the answer has 3 letters. Of course, in a perfect medical world, every medication would perform flawlessly with no adverse reactions. All medical tests would be justifiable and painless. Physicians’ diagnoses would always be accurate. Drugs would be affordable. All patients would recover from whatever ails them. And doctors would never be late for their appointments! Sound like the medical world you know? I doubt it. The medical universe that I inhabit is riddled with flaws and imperfections. It is, after all, a human endeavor which guarantees variable outcomes. Sometimes, the patient just doesn’t get better. So why would doctors like me at times order medical tests that are not necessary? Wouldn't this violate my professional oath and code of conduct? Years ago, when the plaintiff’s bar was on fire suing doctors, many physicians or
MD Whistleblower presents vignettes and commentaries on the medical profession. We peek 'behind the medical curtain' and deliver candor and controversy in every post.