Sunday, May 19, 2013

The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

Choose medical treatment wisely
Posted: 02.22.2013 at 4:10 PM
KTVO Newsdesk
0
Photo

PHILADELPHIA -- There are some medical treatments the experts say you don't need. As medical costs soar,  a coalition of top doctors has released a list of  common procedures they say are wasteful and sometimes harmful.

Seventeen leading medical specialty societies are behind the "Choosing Wisely" campaign to cut down on needless medicine.

Among their latest warnings:

-Don't give cough and cold medicine to children younger than four.
They don't help kids much and could cause serious side effects

-Don't routinely give CT scans to children with minor head injuries.
It exposes them to needless radiation

-Don't do annual pap tests on woman 30-65 years of age.
For most women, testing every three years works as well

-Don't rush to do x-rays or imaging for lower back pain.
Most patients feel better in about a month without the tests

-Don't induce labor or do c-sections before 39 weeks of pregnancy unless medically necessary.
Respiratory problems and learning disabilities may result in newborns.

You can get the complete list of questionable medical procedures on choosingwisely.org. 

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Pair accused of dealing drugs near school
John Garlock  |  Friday, May 17, 2013  |  4 comments
Thumbnail
Fugitive wanted from SWAT raid in custody
KTVO Newsdesk  |  Friday, May 17, 2013  |  18 comments
Thumbnail
Superintendent in legal trouble resigns
John Garlock  |  Friday, May 17, 2013
Follow Heartland Connection
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
Featured Sponsors
Information from our experts
Funeral Announcements
Announcements from area funeral homes
Best Bets Auto
Auto information from our experts
Best Bets Home & Ag
Home and Ag information from our experts
ADVERTISEMENT