Jun 4, 2008 5:44 pm US/Eastern
More Not Always Better When It Comes To Healthcare
(CBS)
If you're sick, you may think that more aggressive healthcare treatments might put you on a faster road to recovery; but Consumer Reports says that's not necessarily true.
According to a Consumer Reports magazine, more isn't always better when it comes to your health care; in fact, a study says too much medical care might actually shorten your life – rather than extend it.
A Dartmouth study of close to 5-million Medicare patients in the last two years of life found that aggressive care is not necessarily delivering the best results.
"Patients who have the most tests, the most procedures, see the most doctors, spend the most time in the hospital, don't do any better in the long run and they don't even live any longer than people who get more conservative treatment," Consumer Reports' Nancy Metcalf explains.
The Dartmouth study rated close to 3,000 hospitals in the country on Medicare spending in the last two years of life. While North Dakota spent the least and New Jersey spent the most, Pennsylvania's spending was rated "above average."
Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Texas had some of the most conservative care. In the last two years of life, patients spent much less time in the hospital and spent far less on doctor payments; and yet the care is considered very good, according to Medicare's ratings.
"Aggressive care can actually lead to poorer results," Metcalf adds. "The more tests and procedures you have, the greater your risk of infections and other complications; and the more medical specialists you see, the greater your risk of medical errors because of poorly coordinated care."
According to the Dartmouth study, patients treated most aggressively received poorer quality care, spent more money on co-pays and were least satisfied with their health care.
Regardless of the hospital they choose, Consumer Reports recommends that patients rely on a single doctor to coordinate their treatment, push for coordination of doctors treating them and always ask about the pros and cons when getting tests and treatment.
The bottom line is talking to your doctor and taking an active part in your own care.
Click on the following links for more information on the hospitals in the study:
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