Just heard that many medical tests are not needed. confused more than ever. who is right?

Complicated subject: The reason tests r ordered r varied. Unfortunately not every test is absolutely needed.Often it's part of an appropriate medical eval. Other times, it's b/c a pt wants it even if the doc doesn't. Other times it's b/c a doc is worried about missing something rare & orders extra tests. These aren't all good reasons, but in our health care system, it's reality. 1 answer: good communication w/ ur doc.