This list could prevent physical hardship and save you money, but it’s missing one key item

Top of the list

Every year, my doctor and I do the same dance. He gives me a prescription for a mammogram. And, out of respect for him, I wait until I’m out of his office to throw it out.

This has been going on for about 10 years now.

And he’s even admitted to me that, at my age, there’s very little chance he would catch anything on a mammogram but he just thinks I should have one.

If you ask me, he thinks that because he isn’t thinking at all.

Unfortunately, he isn’t the only one.

Wake-up call

Think of the billions we spend on healthcare every year. Now imagine cutting out nearly one-third of that total.

That’s what would happen if we discontinued all unnecessary medical screenings (including most mammograms!). But more importantly, this would also reduce considerable worry and physical pain of patients.

The American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation recently asked nine medical groups to help compile a list of the most unessential screenings and medical procedures.

Some of the screenings that made the list have become standard, even though their value is highly questionable. For instance, annual cardiac screening (like EKGs) is unnecessary for low risk patients who aren’t having symptoms.

But we’re all creatures of habit — even the most thoughtful doctors. So this list is a welcome wake-up call for the entire medical profession.

But when I read the list of participating medical groups, my first thought was, “Uh oh. The fix is in.”

Sure enough, it was.

You can imagine where the American College of Radiology, one of the groups, stands on mammograms. Like my doctor, they will NEVER give up on trying to get women to go under the screws.

Never say never? I think it’s safe to say that when “radiology” is in your name, it will be very close to “never.”

Each group that participated in the ABIMF list project submitted five items. By this point, I don’t have to tell you that “routine mammograms” did not make the ACR list.

That’s a shame. Routine mammography should TOP that list.

The ABIMF list is a tool to help educate doctors, who in turn can educate their patients. More importantly, the list isn’t finished. Over time, additional medical groups will add their own input. But I doubt the ACR mammography stonewall will fall anytime soon.

So women, let’s make our voices heard. Say it along with me, and say it to your doctors: “Put routine mammography on the list!”

And if no one hears you say that, then just say “No!”

Sources: 

“Many common procedures unneeded, say doctors groups” Boston Globe, 4/4/12, boston.com

“Choosing Wisely” American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation, abimfoundation.org