A recent study published in the Journal PLOS One examined the prevalence, motivating factors, and consequences of overtreatment in the United States from doctors’ perspectives. The physicians who participated in the study overwhelmingly cited medical malpractice lawsuits as a driving force behind overtreatment. However, unnecessary treatment is also a predominant cause of medical malpractice and undue patient harm.
The aforementioned study, entitled “Overtreatment in the United States,” sought a physician’s perspective on the issue of overtreatment in the U.S. The researchers assembled a group of 2,106 doctors from various specialities, all of whom are members of the the American Medical Association (AMA). The participants completed a survey with questions about the prevalence, causes, solutions, and implications of overtreatment for health care in America.
Study Results
The results were striking. Doctors said on average that 20.6% of overall medical care was unnecessary, including 22% of prescription medications, 24.9% of diagnostic tests, and 11.1% of procedures. In addition, 84.7% cited fear of medical malpractice as the main reason for overtreatment, while 59% mentioned patient pressure as a cause, and 38.2% considered difficulty accessing medical records a source of the problem. The questionnaire also asked “What do you think is the percentage of physicians who perform unnecessary procedures when they profit from them?” 70.8% said profit is a significant driver of unnecessary procedures for doctors.
Overtreatment and Medical Malpractice
Study investigators acknowledged overtreatment as a significant cause of medical malpractice, citing a number of previous studies that demonstrate this contention. For example, various studies have shown that 30% of inpatient antimicrobial therapy is administered unnecessarily, 26% of advanced imaging is ordered when not needed, and 12% of acute percutaneous coronary interventions are performed in inappropriate situations. Acute Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), often referred to as coronary angioplasty or angioplasty with a stent, is a procedure that involves the insertion of a stent into the blood vessels of the heart.
Researchers also pointed to studies showing that overuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance and Clostridium difficile infection, as well as the myriad of postoperative complications resulting from unnecessary surgical procedures.
Have You Been the Victim of Unnecessary Medical Treatment in New Jersey?
If you or someone you love has suffered harm as a result of unnecessary surgery or overtreatment in New Jersey, our medical malpractice lawyers can help. At Fronzuto Law Group, we concentrate of medical malpractice involving victims of all ages, from infants to children and the elderly. Our enduring commitment is to guide you through every phase of the legal process as we aggressively pursue compensation for your physical pain, emotional suffering, and financial loss resulting from your injuries. To speak with an experienced NJ medical negligence attorney today, contact our offices at 973.435.4551 for a free consultation.