Which Diagnostic Tests are Overused by Ob/Gyns?

Article

Last week, Choosing Wisely released a list of 45 overused tests and treatments as determined by nine major medical societies.

Last week, Choosing Wisely, an initiative of the ABIM Foundation that promotes evidenced-based medicine, released a list of 45 overused tests and treatments as determined by nine major medical societies. No ob/gyn associations were included in the list, but two recommendations are applicable to gynecologists:

From the American Academy of Family Physicians and consistent with ACOG’s guidelines:

Don’t perform Pap smears on women younger than 21 or who have had a hysterectomy for non-cancer disease.
Most observed abnormalities in adolescents regress spontaneously, therefore Pap smears for this age group can lead to unnecessary anxiety, additional testing and cost. Pap smears are not helpful in women after hysterectomy (for non-cancer disease) and there is little evidence for improved outcomes.

From the American College of Radiology:

Don’t recommend follow-up imaging for clinically inconsequential adnexal cysts.
Simple cysts and hemorrhagic cysts in women of reproductive age are almost always physiologic. Small simple cysts in postmenopausal women are common, and clinically inconsequential. Ovarian cancer, while typically cystic, does not arise from these benign-appearing cysts. After a good quality ultrasound in women of reproductive age, don’t recommend follow-up for a classic corpus luteum or simple cyst <5 cm in greatest diameter. Use 1 cm as a threshold for simple cysts in postmenopausal women.

Do you agree, and do you adhere to these recommendations in your practice? Are there other ob/gyn tests that should be on this list?
 

Recent Videos
Supreme Court upholds mifepristone access: Implications for women's health | Image Credit: linkedin.com
The significance of the Supreme Court upholding mifepristone access | Image Credit: unchealth.org
One year out: Fezolinetant displays patient satisfaction for managing hot flashes | Image Credit: sutterhealth.org
Addressing maternal health inequities: Insights from CDC's Wanda Barfield | Image Credit: cdc.gov
Addressing racial and ethnic disparities in brachial plexus birth Injury | Image Credit: shrinerschildrens.org
Innovations in prenatal care: Insights from ACOG 2024 | Image Credit:  uofmhealth.org.
Unlocking therapeutic strategies for menopausal cognitive decline | Image Credit: uclahealth.org.
Navigating menopause care: Expert insights from ACOG 2024 | Image Credit: mayo.edu.
© 2024 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.