Gentlemen, before you lock horns, please read the posts
The claim was that 25% of all PROCEDURES and STAYS were not due to medical need. I accept many investigations and components could be eliminated for no loss, but suggesting that 1 in 4 patients admitted to a US hospital has nothing wrong with them and that 25% of operations are not necessary is I repeat rubbish
Magyarflyer sorry you are so cynical. When I was at Parkland we introduced CT for appendicitis and I did an audit. We eliminated a number of operations so the overall cost fell. Ultrasound or CT is now standard around the world and reduces risk
Yes I agree there is a lot of waste due to defensive medicine, but please dont exaggerate or the lawyers will never be controlled!!