Originally Posted by
JanMM
You're overlooking that it's not just about money or allocation of healthcare resources. Quality of life factors into this issue: Some of the men who receive aggressive treatment become impotent or incontinent as a result of that treatment. Very severe side effects resulting from treatment of a problem that may not be life-threatening or that may not cause significant health problems in an individual.
I want the results of the test so that I - repeat - I - can make an informed decision as to risks, benefits and a course of action. If they take the test results away from me, then I no longer have a full base of information for my decision.
I see, following from this recommendation - Medicare and HMO's and insurance companies refusing to pay for the PSA, although I doubt, in a blood screen, that it adds much to the cost. Now, I would pay extra for the test results, but not all can.
So, I see a committee making a health decision for me as regards my getting all the info I need to make more valid decisions. I don't know whether or not I would have a biopsy, but I want that choice. I want to make it myself, not some committee.
Historically, I have made several very significant medical decisions AGAINST the "common wisdom" and "medical advice" for my son and for myself, and now for my wife. These were made after extensive research, consultation and thought - and in each case, I was right, and the medical world was wrong.