Person questioning medical test results

Are You Getting Too Many Medical Tests? What to Know About Overtesting

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals a dramatic increase in diagnostic tests ordered by GPs, raising questions about necessity and cost. Is this trend helping or harming patients?"

In today's healthcare landscape, it's easy to feel like you're constantly being sent for one test or another. Whether it's blood work, imaging scans, or other diagnostic procedures, it can sometimes seem like these tests are a routine part of every doctor's visit. But have you ever stopped to wonder if you're getting too many tests? Are all these procedures really necessary, or could there be a point where overtesting becomes a problem?

A recent study published in The BMJ sheds light on this very issue, revealing a significant increase in the number of diagnostic tests ordered by general practitioners (GPs) over the past 15 years. According to the research, GPs are now ordering three times as many diagnostic tests as they did in 2000, leading to a dramatic increase in their workload. This surge in testing raises important questions about the appropriateness, cost, and potential impact on patient care.

This article delves into the findings of this study, exploring the reasons behind the rise in diagnostic testing, the implications for patients and the healthcare system, and what you can do to ensure you're receiving the right care without being overtested. By understanding the dynamics at play, you can become a more informed and empowered participant in your own healthcare journey.

Why Are Doctors Ordering More Tests?

Several factors contribute to the increase in diagnostic testing. One key driver is the growing and aging population. As people live longer, they are more likely to develop chronic conditions that require ongoing monitoring and testing. This is further compounded by the rise in comorbidities, where individuals have multiple health issues simultaneously, necessitating a more comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management.

Another contributing factor is the shift in healthcare delivery. Over the study period, some services were transferred from secondary to primary care, meaning that GPs are now responsible for ordering tests that were previously handled by hospitals. Additionally, GPs have gained the ability to order certain imaging tests directly, further increasing the volume of tests ordered in primary care settings.

Aging Population: As the population ages, the prevalence of chronic diseases increases, leading to more frequent testing for monitoring and diagnosis.
Increased Comorbidities: More patients are living with multiple health conditions, requiring a broader range of tests to manage their complex health needs.
Shift in Healthcare Delivery: Services have been transferred from hospitals to primary care, increasing the testing responsibilities of GPs.
Incentive Programs: Initiatives like the Quality and Outcomes Framework incentivize GPs to use laboratory tests for chronic disease management.
Defensive Medicine: Doctors may order more tests to protect themselves from potential malpractice claims, a practice known as defensive medicine.

It's also worth noting the role of technology. The availability of new and advanced diagnostic tools has made testing more accessible and convenient. While these advancements can improve diagnostic accuracy, they can also lead to more frequent testing, even when the clinical benefit is not always clear. The Quality and Outcomes Framework, which incentivized GPs to use laboratory tests to monitor chronic diseases, was also introduced adding to the increase.

Making Informed Decisions About Medical Testing

The rise in diagnostic testing is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. While increased testing can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved management of certain conditions, it also carries potential risks and costs. By understanding the dynamics at play and taking an active role in your healthcare decisions, you can ensure you're receiving the right care without being overtested.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1136/bmj.k5093, Alternate LINK

Title: Gps Order Three Times As Many Diagnostic Tests As 15 Years Ago, Study Finds

Subject: General Engineering

Journal: BMJ

Publisher: BMJ

Authors: Ingrid Torjesen

Published: 2018-11-29

Everything You Need To Know

What is the main trend discussed, and what specific group of medical professionals is most affected?

The main trend discussed is a significant increase in diagnostic tests. The group most affected by this trend is General Practitioners (GPs). A recent study in The BMJ revealed that GPs are ordering substantially more tests than in the past, leading to an increased workload and raising questions about the necessity and cost of these tests.

What are the key factors driving the rise in diagnostic testing, and how do they influence the increase in tests?

Several factors contribute to the increase in diagnostic testing. These include an aging population, which leads to more chronic conditions and ongoing monitoring; an increase in comorbidities, requiring a broader range of tests; the shift in healthcare delivery, transferring some services from secondary to primary care, placing more responsibility on GPs; incentive programs like the Quality and Outcomes Framework, which encourage GPs to use lab tests; the practice of defensive medicine, where doctors order more tests to avoid potential malpractice claims; and the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, making testing more accessible and convenient.

How does the Quality and Outcomes Framework contribute to the increase in diagnostic testing, and what are its implications?

The Quality and Outcomes Framework incentivizes GPs to use laboratory tests for chronic disease management. This framework was introduced to improve patient care, but its impact is a significant increase in the number of tests being ordered. The implication is that while it might lead to better monitoring of chronic diseases, it also contributes to the overall rise in testing, which can have cost and potential risk implications.

Besides the direct impact on patients, what broader implications does this surge in diagnostic testing have on the healthcare system?

The surge in diagnostic testing has several broader implications. There are increased healthcare costs associated with more tests. There's also the potential for unnecessary procedures, which can lead to patient anxiety and stress, and in some cases, false positives that trigger further, possibly invasive, testing. Moreover, the increased workload for GPs can affect the efficiency of primary care.

How can individuals take an active role in their healthcare to navigate the rising trend of diagnostic testing effectively?

Individuals can take an active role in their healthcare by understanding the dynamics of the rising trend in diagnostic testing. They should communicate openly with their GPs, asking about the necessity of each test, understanding the potential benefits and risks, and questioning alternatives. They should also be aware of the potential for overtesting and be informed participants in their healthcare journey. This will help ensure they receive the right care without being overtested, managing healthcare costs effectively.