How to Steer Toward the Path of Least Treatment

Letters to the Editor

The New York Times

letters@nytimes.com

4 October 2011

Dear Editor:

Yesterday, How to Steer Toward the Path of Least Treatment addressed the harm of patient overtreatment The article shed light on many interesting points—lack of patient-doctor communication, fear of medical malpractice lawsuits, and profit-driven incentives—that often go unnoticed.

As a public health student, I fear for patients who fall victim to overtreatment due to avoidable circumstances such as ulterior motives and imperfect information; had Lynn Monroe considered invasive treatment for a hyperactive thyroid, she would have lost her thyroid. Medical practitioners are agents for their patients but also for insurance providers. As double agents, physicians juggle the issues of asymmetric information and third-party payments.

Patients should be involved in their health care; learn about the pros and cons of different available treatment options; and ask questions. As consumers, weigh the marginal costs of extra tests or procedures against their benefits and consider alternatives. Being proactive can help stem this tide of overtreatment.

Sincerely,

Jason Tran

2741 Dwight Way Apt K

Berkeley, CA 94704-3127

jasontran@berkeley.edu

(408) 761-4597

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http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/04/health/04CONSUMER.html?_r=1&ref=health