I agree with this. Doctors wanted to schedule my 97 YO mother for a colonoscopy — no symptoms, no problems in that area. Chance of perforation would be high. I said HELL NO.
“I agree with this. Doctors wanted to schedule my 97 YO mother for a colonoscopy — no symptoms, no problems in that area. Chance of perforation would be high. I said HELL NO.”
Common sense should prevail — but the bottom line it should be between the doctor and the patient, not some government guidelines.
According to the article, they are talking about 65 years and older. That's a lot younger than your 97 year old mother.
You just want her to croak so you can have her money!
That's surprising.
My dad was in his early 70s when he had is most recent colonoscopy and the doctor was iffy on whether he should get another one in five years. He did say that if dad did get one it would likely be his last if they didn't find anything because they were unlikely to treat for colon cancer when he gets into his eighties.
I want my doctor to discuss rational treatment options with me, not just look at Federal Health Form #298320B and say "I am not allowed to treat you. Sorry."
I agree that some elderly don’t need routine screening, especially colonoscopy etc. In the past, we docs could use common sense. Then the lawyers came and sued us if we didn’t do everything, so costs went way up. Now the death panels will tell us what to do. Again no common sense.
Makes me glad I am retired.