Overdiagnosis and overtesting
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Overdiagnosis and overtesting are recognised as prevalent in medical practice and can cause harm to patients. OBJECTIVE: This article seeks to define these terms, highlight some common examples and provide an approach to navigating clinical encounters where patients present for healthcare. DISCUSSION: A patient-centred and shared decision- making approach is the best way to balance risks and harms for individual patients when considering screening or diagnostic tests. There are useful resources available that are designed specifically for general practitioners and their patients to support making the best decision with an individual.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Healthcare cost
quality
practices
Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills
Medical Malpractice and Liability Issues
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Australian Journal of General Practice
- Publisher
- The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
- Volume
- 55
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 329–331
- Publication date
- 1 June 2026
- Language
- EN