Ever wonder why all those tests your doctor prescribes are necessary? Later, when you get the bill, ever wonder how a simple test that took five minutes could cost that much money? One group is asking doctors to think about what tests are over-prescribed or unnecessary. It could cut costs and improve patient care, but it can also be difficult to figure out what's wasteful and what's crucial.
Guests:
J.B. Silvers, Professor of Health Care Finance at CWRU Weatherhead School of Management, Metrohealth Board Member
Dr. John Santa, Director of the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center
Dr. Deborah Korenstein, Editor-in-chief of Smart Medicine at the American College of Physicians, Adjunct Professor at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
Dr. Randall Cebul, Professor at CWRU School of Medicine, Director of Better Health, Greater Cleveland