THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERDIAGNOSIS IN FAMILY MEDICINE. HOW DO WE MINIMIZE THE RISKS?

Abstract

Because the family doctor is the main medical contact for patients, it can play a crucial role in overdiagnosis. Although it is not a very common topic, overdiagnosis can have important negative consequences both on the health system, from an economic point of view and most importantly on the patient (unnecessary therapies, expensive therapies, impairment of quality of life etc.). Certain diseases have a higher percentage of overdiagnosis and need to be addressed.

Keywords

• overdiagnosis
• family medicine
• risks