Question 56 of 433
How do I decide whether an advanced test is worth it?
The short answer
Ask four questions. Is it accurate? Does it tell me something the basic tests do not? Is there a proven action if it is abnormal? Has acting on it been shown to help?
Many tests offered for wellness have more evidence for measurement accuracy than for improving a decision or an outcome. In this part I grade each one this way:
WORTH IT: changes decisions for many people.
SOMETIMES: useful in the right person; ask why it is being ordered for you.
SKIP: not validated, not actionable, or actively misleading.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
DECISION FRAMEWORK — Accuracy, added information, actionability, and patient outcomes are separate tests of value.Evidence grade (draft mapping)JClinical judgment / author synthesisPart 5, Q56 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.