He actually sees some good in this, damn the USPSTF:
Others see these tests as tools for health-conscious people who want them more often than their doctor orders. Dr. Bruce Friedman is a pathologist.“As a physician, I’m very enthusiastic about this form of testing,” Dr. Friedman said. “I think any kind of testing that allows consumers to take more ownership over their healthcare status is important.”
And when was the last time he saw a live patient?
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I’m a bit curious as to who the labs would notify in the event of a significant abnormal value. Would someone call the patient to warn him or her? Would that someone be a physician or other professional who’s qualified to counsel the patient as to the significance of the value?
I can easily imagine someone with signs and symptoms of malignancy ordering tumor markers. Will there be someone to explain limitations in test sensitivity to such a person who might nonetheless be falsely reassured by negative values?
I’m all for patient involvement in their care. But this seems absurdly risky.
John
Kevin, you surely cannot be critisizing online medicine? How many forums do you now have at med-help? Is it 3 or 4? You charge 16.00 a crack for the few minutes it takes you to punch out an answer. Why is that you find fault with everything everyone else does even when it is something you also do.
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