Doctors who order unnecessary lab tests cost Canadian taxpayers “billions” annually and expose patients to potential harm, according to a new report from the CD Howe Institute. Unnecessary lab tests are costing Canadian taxpayers “billions” annually and exposing patients to potential harm, according to a new report from the CD Howe Institute. When testing is overused, it can lead to further unnecessary testing, inaccurate diagnosis and potentially inappropriate treatments accompanied by adverse side effects, the report warns. Almost $6 billion is spent annually on lab testing by provincial and territorial governments, and about 10 per cent of that is unnecessary, Wyonch said. Reasons for inappropriate testing and medical treatments are complex and are influenced by patients, physicians and administrative practices, it continues.

Source: thestar February 14, 2019 00:23 UTC