Monday, June 24, 2013

Providing the right amount of healthcare

Less is more.  A lesson that can't be repeated often enough.

Providing the right amount of healthcare: "But a growing number of studies show that more healthcare is not always better and the more expensive drug or treatment option is not necessarily the right choice.  In fact, sometimes more care – specifically care that you don’t need – can be harmful for your health, and expose you to unnecessary risks."

Thursday, June 13, 2013

The worst kind of guideline in prostate cancer screening

A thoughtful discussion of the ACP guidelines for screening of prostate cancer.  An important reminder that when treating a patient (as in life) sometimes the answer should be "no".

The worst kind of guideline in prostate cancer screening: "First, when as a profession did we decide that we had an ethical obligation to offer interventions that cause more harm than good? When we offer an intervention that is on the whole detrimental, are we not sending our patients a mixed message? "