State Medical Boards and the Problem of Unnecessary Care and Treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe overutilization of medical tests and procedures has been identified as an important reason for the high costs of health care in America. Because the problem of overutilization is so multifaceted and complex, detection has been uneven and deterrence has been erratic. Recognizing the increasing severity of the problem and the adverse effect that overutilization may have on patient safety and care, the medical profession in recent years has increased its efforts to curtail excess treatment. Several national specialty societies, for example, have identified certain tests and procedures that may be unnecessary or overused, and they have disseminated their findings to physicians and patients. The question that this article seeks to address is what role state medical boards should have in reducing unnecessary care and treatment. This article argues that state medical boards, congruent with their mission of public protection, should enhance their oversight, detection, and regulation in this area. Professional ethics and specialty society guidelines could provide the basis for disciplining persistent and egregious offenders.