"Some tests will help confirm a course of treatment, or propose a new one. But what if that treatment is something you've already decided you won't do? For example in an older patient too old for a surgery or a baby that you've already decided you'll keep.
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I had the impression that a lot of doctors go through the same test protocols independent of patient situation. They are more deliberate with the actual treatment but there seems less thought about the necessity of testing.
It also varies by doctor. Some like to order more tests than their peers. That's why it's important to have a doctor with whom you can openly discuss these tradeoffs. The vast majority are open to that, but some will give you the stink eye if they interpret that as you questionning their algorithm.
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I had the impression that a lot of doctors go through the same test protocols independent of patient situation. They are more deliberate with the actual treatment but there seems less thought about the necessity of testing.