A recent debate has been sparked in the medical profession surrounding the idea of cutting health care costs by eliminating certain tests that are commonly provided to patients that have very little proven benefits. These tests, which include annual electrocardiograms for patients at low risk, routine chest x-rays for those patients who have been taken to the hospital via ambulance, and 43 other tests, were said to have been nearly useless to many practitioners. While some argue that these tests can do more harm than good in some senses, others say that these tests are necessary to effectively treat a patient and possibly find a cure to a medical condition that the patient may be suffering from. Many say that those who are too concerned about protecting the income and financial security of the doctor and hospital are willing to go the extra mile for their patients, namely to prevent a lawsuit from taking place. In many doctors' and medical professionals' eyes, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in their fight to find a solution is the key to a healthy outcome for their patients. These methods, unfortunately, have taken a toll on the financial well-being of the health care industry.

Recently, the director of an institute that explores issues in the health care profession urged each specialty in the medical profession to come up with a list of the top five tests and treatments that are proven to be nearly useless in their area of specialty. Three primary care specialties were able to successfully test and determine their own lists with the help of a foundation that was established by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Many specialty groups, including cardiology, radiology, primary care, and oncology, have already provided their lists of the top five tests that are virtually unnecessary. According to sources, other specialty groups will be providing their lists after thorough examination this coming fall.

The question that this raises, however, is concerning the patients' well-being due to their attempt to simply cut costs to meet the bottom line. Will it still allow doctors to put their patients' health and well-being first? Will a doctor skip over a test that could potentially save a patient's life due to a new protocol that may be enforced? Will instances of medical malpractice arise even more frequently due to a doctor's refusal to perform a seemingly simple and routine test simply because the profession wishes to cut costs? If you or someone you love has been injured or has fallen ill due to a doctor's actions, or lack thereof, you need the help of a medical malpractice attorney right away. You are entitled to receive the best possible medical care you can find, and if a doctor refuses to give this to you and causes harm as a result, you may be entitle to monetary compensation.

Suffering due to another person's actions is one of the most devastating events that a person can endure in his or her lifetime. Whether the doctor blatantly refused a test or failed to provide quality medical services, you need to involve your local medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. Your case must be reviewed in a timely fashion, as there are statutes of limitations surrounding a medical malpractice claim. While it has become evident recently that many hospitals and doctors are more concerned with their bottom line than the overall health of their patients, it is not right that you should suffer from this decision.

There are many different types of medical malpractice, including doctor negligence, incorrect medication, wrong-site surgery, and misdiagnosis – all of which can occur if a doctor fails to provide you with the tests that can determine the medical condition that you may be suffering from. No matter what you have been affected by, involving a medical malpractice lawyer should be your first priority.