Jun 12, 2012
Analysis Finds Lack Of Research On Overuse Of Medical Services
After reviewing medical literature produced between 1978 and 2009, researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York concluded that there is a lack of evidence on overuse of medical services, with the exception of a few areas of limited study. Overuse, defined as services performed that have no benefit or do more harm than good, account for an estimated 30 percent of U.S. healthcare spending. But despite the staggering amount of waste produced by unnecessary medical treatment, diagnostic tests, medication, and therapeutic procedures, there is very little collected data on the issue and the majority of available studies concentrated on the overuse of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections and three cardiovascular procedures. The authors said that understanding the prevalence of overuse in healthcare services is necessary in order to improve quality and eliminate waste. More here and here.
