There are some tests you just don't need. Saying "no" can save you a lot of money and time, as our sister station Fox 4 reports.
Dr. Kristy Weaver with Specialists in Women's Care says annual pap smears are unnecessary with the type of testing used now and how slow cervical cancer grows.
"These ladies with normal paps can feel reassured waiting three to five years depending upon their age range for their next pap smear," she said.
She still recommends annual check-ups. For those under 21, no paps are needed at all. To get a prescription for birth control pills, you do not need a pap smear or even a pelvic exam.
"Choosing Wisely", a campaign from national medical specialty groups, lists many unnecessary tests. The site encourages doctors and patients to talk about procedures and tests to come up with treatments that are right for them.
Dr. Lee Norman, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Hospital, says you don't need imaging for headaches if you don't have other symptoms.
"A headache alone is not a reason for a CT or MRI," said Dr. Norman.
Also, no imaging is recommended for low back pain within the first six weeks. It's very expensive and CT scans boost your exposure to radiation.
If you're a woman under 65 or a man under 70, you won't need bone density screening for osteoporosis unless you're at high risk for brittle bones.
Also, there's no need to give up that urine sample unless you have symptoms such as burning.
"It's not necessary as a routine test. The little urine dip stick has a lot of false positives and false negatives," said Dr. Norman.
When there's a false positive result, meaning a test shows something is wrong when it really isn't, it can result in even more unwarranted testing.
The doctors say reducing unnecessary testing comes down to having a regular doctor and good rapport.
