Although guideline recommendations have been established to limit medical tests before low-risk surgeries, electrocardiograms and chest x-rays are still performed frequently, according to a study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Evidence indicates that for patients undergoing low-risk surgery, routine testing does not improve outcomes and can actually lead to surgical delays, patient anxiety, and other issues. The Choosing Wisely campaign, which started in the U.S. and spread to Canada and other countries, aims to raise awareness of unnecessary tests and procedures among physicians and patients to decrease their use.

Poll Question:
Do you believe that despite guidelines and studies on low-risk surgeries, medical professionals still order too many unnecessary tests?

Yes
47

No
14

Previous articleLiterature Review: Lighting Up Cas9
Next articleOpko Health Buys Bio-Reference Laboratories for $1.47B