Health Assessment

Another problem is that tests often lead to unnecessary medical procedures, including surgery. In 1978 in the United States - Office of Technology Assessment estimated that only 10% to 20% of the medical procedure proved successful for patients. As many as 80% and 90% of the treatment can make a good impression, but without scientific evidence. It has been estimated that up to 30% of the cost of the procedure is due to a placebo effect. (A placebo is a pill or medical procedure pharmaceutically vacuum believes that effective patient care, but in reality it is not.) In other words, many people with certain health conditions are treated even better if he uses his Dummy, if the physician is convinced of its effectiveness. Medical Records are examples of treatment to cure patients but only ineffective in the future. For example, some principles in the treatment of herpes infection were positive in 85% of patients, but subsequent studies have shown that these procedures are not effective. It is possible that the "faith" in certain tests, procedures or treatments is more important than the procedure itself. Some experts suggest that because of the placebo effect can be corrected, patients need solutions that are less invasive and less willing to take the risk of experimental procedures. This is one reason why many people are interested in becoming a doctor, there is no alternative treatment methods.

So, if you need for the physical examination can help determine what evidence they are willing to be subjected to, ask questions:

What would expect to find? You should begin by asking why you need to test. How the diagnosis is easier? You should think about alternatives and the lack of waiting and no proof. Sometimes the best test for the test of time. After the usual tests, because this process does not provide a satisfactory explanation.

What are the risks associated with the review? The risk test is not free, so you must use the benefits and potential risks.

One problem is that the tests are not 100% accurate. Incorrect results can lead to misdiagnosis. A false positive can happen that the test shows abnormality correctly. This means that there is evidence that a "positive" state, if it does not exist. This often leads to unnecessary anxiety, so that some people feel and act, even sick. In contrast, normal results do not necessarily indicate good health. False negative results can be obtained from the test results show that normal, even if a person is sick. For example, inspection showed "negative" is not a disease, if they are actually present. These results may lead to a false sense of health and treatment may be much needed in the critical stage of the disease.

According to statistics, the test results with an accuracy of about 95% of the population. Therefore 5% of patients with false positive or false negative laboratory test. Other factors that may lead to errors in the study of certain medications, exercise, stress, diet, time of day, and errors in handling or processing of samples.

Another problem with the tests that they relate to physical danger. Some of the most common risks of infection, bleeding, damage to vital structures, as well as reaction to anesthesia, medications, materials, color and contrast.

What are the options after the test? If the test is positive, then what? If neither option is plausible for you, so the test? If not for the treatment of disease, test, test was not warranted. The diagnosis of disease, on the other hand, tend to justify the examination.