Gary Schwitzer: “Bad things can happen when screening recommendations are made for populations for whom there is not clear-cut evidence of benefit. False positive results lead to more testing, more expense, and more anxiety. The additional testing may carry its own potential harms. The more you look, the more you may find some forms of ‘pseudo-disease’ — early hints of possible problems without clear evidence about whether they will go on to create real trouble or not. Many of these people will go on to be inappropriately labeled with “disease” and treated.”
When screening isn’t supported by evidence
More in Uncategorized
-
Most Popular
Past Week
-
Medicine’s struggle for inclusivity
Shah-Naz H. Khan, MD | Physician -
Venture-backed telemental health care companies are creating a new opioid epidemic
Tamir Aldad, MD, MBA | Meds -
Biotechnology and biological warfare [PODCAST]
The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast -
AI’s role in simplifying communication [PODCAST]
The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast -
Optimizing IUD placement: prescribed medications and timing tips
C. Nicole Swiner, MD | Conditions -
Preventing amputations and saving lives starts with bringing PAD into the 21st century
Anahita Dua, MD, MBA | Conditions
-
Past 6 Months
-
Medicine’s struggle for inclusivity
Shah-Naz H. Khan, MD | Physician -
Medicine is not apolitical: Your vote dictates your ability to practice medicine
Elizabeth Picazo | Policy -
Venture-backed telemental health care companies are creating a new opioid epidemic
Tamir Aldad, MD, MBA | Meds -
Elite access vs. public scrutiny: Medication disparities exposed
L. Joseph Parker, MD | Meds -
When the doctor’s office becomes a confession booth
Ryan McCarthy, MD | Physician -
Real pain deserves real treatment
L. Joseph Parker, MD | Conditions
-
Recent Posts
-
Biotechnology and biological warfare [PODCAST]
The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast -
Doctors beware: Your credentials could land you in prison
L. Joseph Parker, MD | Physician -
Fulfilling fatherhood and a thriving medical practice: my story
Francisco M. Torres, MD | Physician -
Non-opioid post-op pain relief [PODCAST]
The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast -
I had a (incorrect) memory screening. Have you even had one?
Carol Steinberg | Conditions -
Why doctors should embrace uncertainty for better patient outcomes
Dr. Simon Craig | Physician
-
Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!
Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.