Diagnostic tests are overused

General practitioners may need more help in explaining to their patients the rationale of using, or not using, some diagnostic tests. Winkens and Dinant (p 783) explain that in daily practice doctors' decisions are often affected by pressure from patients. They recommend intervention to reduce the often illogical overuse of diagnostic tests and suggest using a combination of methods to influence doctors' behaviour.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.