Don’t Pay for X-rays, Blood Tests, or Antibiotics You Don't Need

All docs worth their salt will agree with us on this: You shouldn't spend a dime on x-rays, lab tests, antibiotics, or blood work you don't need. Yet, you probably do every time you see even the best-intentioned physician. Why? Often because MDs are going overboard, trying to "cover all the bases" (or, in some cases, their behinds). The upshot? Big bucks out of your own pocket, and billions wasted nationally. Now, coalitions of physicians are urging each other and you to just say no to the following unless both you and your doc are sure you need them.

• X-rays for lower-back pain. Lower-back pain is miserable, but it usually clears up in a few days to a few weeks. An x-ray won't make you feel better. It'll just expose you to radiation. Get one only if the pain lasts 6 weeks, sharply worsens, or you have other symptoms, such as leg problems. (This will help your back heal faster.)
• Antibiotics for sinusitis. It's unlikely to be bacterial, especially in the first 10 days, yet 80% of the millions of people who see docs for sinusitis every year get an Rx for antibiotics, which only fight bacterial infections. You're taking drugs that won't work. (Don't take antibiotics for these problems either.)
• A pap test if you've had a total hysterectomy. The surgery removed your cervix. Paps look for abnormal cervix cells. No cervix, no point.
• A "routine" ECG. Plenty of savvy docs order electrocardiograms for people 40 and older as part of a routine checkup, no matter how healthy they are.
• A bone-density scan if you're younger than 65. You don't need one unless you've lost height, taken steroids, or had a bizarre bone fracture, such as from a hard sneeze. Not sure how tough your skeleton is? Take the RealAge Osteoporosis Assessment.
• A complete blood work-up or urine analysis if you're healthy. Save 'em for when something internal has gone amuck.

Here are 9 questions, including a biggie, to ask before you get any medical test.