In the United States, overuse of medical procedures and surgeries is a growing concern. According to a report by the National Academy of Medicine, up to 30% of medical procedures and surgeries are unnecessary. This not only puts patients at risk of harm, but it also contributes to the rising cost of healthcare in the US. In fact, unnecessary surgeries alone are estimated to cost the US healthcare system billions of dollars each year. So, why are so many unnecessary surgeries being performed, and what can be done about it?

One reason for the prevalence of unnecessary surgeries is the fee-for-service payment model used by many healthcare providers. In this model, doctors are paid for each service they provide, including surgeries. This can create a financial incentive for doctors to perform unnecessary surgeries. Additionally, patients may demand certain procedures or surgeries, even if they are not medically necessary, due to a desire for a quick fix or a lack of understanding about alternative treatment options.

The cost of unnecessary surgeries is staggering. In a 2014 report, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimated that the cost of 10 common unnecessary medical procedures, including cardiac imaging and spinal injections, totaled over $8.5 billion in a single year. This cost is ultimately passed on to employers, patients, and taxpayers through higher healthcare premiums and taxes.

So, what can be done to address this issue? One solution is to promote holistic alternative therapies, such as physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. These therapies can help patients manage pain and improve mobility without the need for invasive surgeries.

Physical therapy, in particular, has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, from back pain to joint replacements. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapy can reduce the need for surgery in some cases and can also help patients recover more quickly after surgery. Additionally, physical therapy is often less expensive than surgery, making it a more cost-effective option for patients and healthcare providers.

Massage therapy has also been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including chronic pain and stress. In fact, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that massage therapy was just as effective as medication in treating chronic back pain.

Acupuncture is another alternative therapy that has gained popularity in recent years. In acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate healing. While the exact mechanisms of acupuncture are complex, it has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and arthritis.

Chiropractic care is another holistic therapy that can help patients manage pain and improve mobility. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation and other techniques to realign the spine and relieve pressure on the nervous system. This can help reduce pain and improve overall health.

By promoting these alternative therapies, healthcare providers can help reduce the number of unnecessary surgeries and lower healthcare costs. Additionally, patients can benefit from these therapies by avoiding the risks and potential complications associated with surgery.

Unnecessary surgeries continue to be a major concern in the US healthcare system. By promoting holistic alternative therapies, such as physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care, healthcare providers (and employers!) can help reduce the number of unnecessary surgeries and lower healthcare costs. Patients can also benefit from these therapies by avoiding the risks and potential complications associated with surgery. It is time for healthcare providers and policymakers to prioritize preventative and alternative therapies over unnecessary surgeries and procedures.