Doctors Name Treatments That Bring Little Or No Benefit

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-37732497

The first one is that women don't need a blood test, to see if they have started the menopause. My three brothers attest that a blood test is entirely unneeded, as there is a wealth of other, more reliable indicators !

[naomi24]

Your three brothers are menopausal?

[EDDIE51]

I agree with all the ones listed so far.

[Patsy33]

Saving money too.........

[Tilly2]

Chemotherapy is the most controversial one, I suspect.

[youngmafbog]

I think they may need to see a doctor Mickey ;-)

There are many treatments that are not needed, it is getting worse with people self diagnosing before arriving at the GP/A&E and then 'insisting' on things like antibiotics and x-rays. Another part of the problem is with it being entirely free for some too.

The NHS needs to get back to basics; as it was intended. Then we might have A NHS in 20 years time. The problem here is people like who Mickey who use the NHS as a whipping stick to beat the Tories with, hence they wont do anything about it.

[naomi24]

//The NHS needs to get back to basics; as it was intended. //

I agree with that.

[Sqad]

UK patients are less sophisticated than patients in other countries e.g U.S, France and Germany, mainly because in those countries one has to pay for medical care ( or part payment) as in the UK, no money "changes hands".

The advantages of free health care are there for all to see and the advantages of pay for service method is that you require value for your money and the following questions are often asked:

Do I really need this test, treatment or procedure?
What are the risks or downsides?
What are the possible side-effects?
Are there simpler, safer options?
What will happen if I do nothing?

All valid questions as you are paying up for the treatment and want good value, as in the UK it is "free" so "what the hell."

Slipping into the internet era has had tremendous advantages in almost all fields, including medicine, but in the latter it has opened up a scope for budding non qualified posters and "Googlers" who see themselves as overnight experts.........as seen regularly on AB. The internet CAN be helpful if your reading is applicable to the disease that has been confirmed by medical means.

The NHS system and philosophy is entrenched in modern UK medicine and is unlikely to change because of it's Political attachments.

[Cloverjo]

What are the other indicators, mikey? I was thinking of going for a test as I am of that age - although slightly too young, apparently :) I'd like to know to save time for me and the nurse/doc.

[Mamyalynne]

Menopause is a dangerous time for men, that's true.


Also agree that there are too many tests done often for no good reason.

[hereIam]

"Your three brothers are menopausal". BA for me !

[Bazile]

//Menopause is a dangerous time for men, that's true. //

Indeed , there is nothing more distressing than sitting in a freezing cold house , because she says she's hot .

[woofgang]

I think that its always reasonable to question why the test. Its long been known that routine PSA tests bring no benefit which is why there is no national screening program.
I had a blood test to check if I was menopausal because I had serious dizziness and the GP wanted to check if it was hormone related before referring me to a neurologist.
I am not sure why they are advising no treatment for children with bronchitis? I can understand holding off on antibiotics but no treatment at all? seriously?

[slaney]

Bronchiolitis woofgang which is usually viral.

[dannyk13]

The PSA test is not a treatment, it is an indication if there might something amiss with prostate gland.

[douglas9401]

https://www.verywell.com/bronchitis-or-bronchiolitis-3980643

[woofgang]

yes which is why I said I can understand not giving antibiotics.....

[Sqad]

bella.....point taken, although i meant for consultations and other treatments
excluding prescription charges.