Why Some Doctors Still Recommend Outdated Medical Tests

You’d think with all the advances in modern medicine, doctors would only recommend the most current, research-backed diagnostic tools. But that’s not always the case. Across the country, patients, especially older adults, are still being sent for outdated or unnecessary medical tests. From full-body scans that detect little to procedures that haven’t been recommended for years, these legacy habits persist in a system that claims to be science-driven.

This isn’t always the result of incompetence or greed. Sometimes it’s routine, sometimes it’s pressure from patients, and sometimes it’s the inertia of medical training that hasn’t caught up with evolving standards. But one thing is certain: outdated testing can waste money, lead to unnecessary anxiety, or even cause harm.

Understanding why these tests still get ordered and how to spot them can help you become a more informed, proactive patient.

The Role of Medical Training and Habit

Many doctors trained decades ago, and while most do keep up with continuing education, old habits can be hard to break. Some medical schools and residency programs emphasized certain tests as standard tools, even if newer research has since disproven their utility.

For instance, annual EKGs for healthy patients without symptoms were once routine. Today, they’re generally discouraged by organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which has found little benefit in screening asymptomatic individuals. Yet they’re still frequently ordered out of habit.

When time is tight and patient volumes are high, defaulting to familiar tests is easier than re-evaluating a protocol. This inertia can result in outdated procedures being used long after newer guidelines have emerged.

Patient Expectations and Pressure

Another surprising factor? You, the patient. Some patients equate more tests with better care. A doctor who doesn’t order a full battery of screenings may be perceived as negligent or dismissive, especially by older patients accustomed to more “thorough” approaches from years past.

To avoid conflict or lawsuits, some doctors continue to order tests they know aren’t necessary, just to reassure patients or meet perceived expectations. In some cases, it’s easier to print a lab order than to explain why a test is no longer recommended.

The problem? These unnecessary tests can create a cascade of follow-up procedures, false positives, or invasive biopsies, all of which carry risks.

Defensive Medicine and Legal Concerns

We live in a litigious culture, and many doctors practice what’s known as “defensive medicine.” This means they order tests not because they’re needed, but because they want to shield themselves from potential lawsuits.

It’s a symptom of a medical system where second-guessing and courtroom fears weigh heavily on every decision. If a doctor skips a test and a patient later develops a problem, no matter how unlikely, there’s always the possibility of being blamed.

So, even if current evidence shows a test has little clinical value, some physicians continue ordering it as a legal safeguard, passing the cost and consequence down to the patient.

Lack of Updated Guidelines or Awareness of Them

Medical knowledge evolves quickly, and sometimes formal guidelines lag behind new research. Even when guidelines are updated, it takes time for all practitioners—especially those in smaller or rural practices—to become aware of and integrate them.

In some specialties, consensus around specific tests may still be murky or politically fraught. For example, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer has seen fluctuating recommendations over the years. While it may be appropriate for some men, it’s not universally advised—yet it’s still commonly offered.

Patients may assume that all doctors are practicing the most up-to-date evidence-based medicine, but that’s not always the case. And when financial incentives are involved, such as when doctors have ownership in labs or imaging centers, it further complicates the issue.

Common Tests That May Be Outdated or Overused

Here are a few medical tests frequently cited by experts as outdated or overused for certain populations:

Annual Chest X-rays for asymptomatic patients
Full-body scans in the absence of symptoms or risk factors
Routine EKGs for low-risk individuals with no cardiac symptoms
Bone density tests are too frequently performed or without a clear clinical indication
Pap smears in women over 65 with a history of normal results
PSA tests without a full discussion of risks and benefits
Blood tests for vitamin levels not linked to symptoms or deficiencies

These tests are not inherently useless, but they should be used judiciously, based on individual risk, age, and medical history.

The Financial Cost of Unnecessary Testing

Outdated or unnecessary testing comes at a price, not just to your insurance company, but to you directly. Medicare and private insurers often cover the cost of initial testing, but when follow-ups are needed (like additional scans, specialist consults, or biopsies), the out-of-pocket expenses can pile up quickly.

Worse still, a false positive or ambiguous result can trigger a cascade of testing that may end in surgery or other invasive procedures, all from a test that was never clinically needed in the first place.

For retirees on fixed incomes, this can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars spent on solving a medical mystery that didn’t need to be created.

How to Protect Yourself as a Patient

So what can you do? First, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor why a test is being ordered. Ask whether it’s recommended by current medical guidelines, and what would change based on the result. You’re not being difficult. You’re being responsible.

Second, get comfortable with second opinions. If something doesn’t sit right, especially with invasive or expensive testing, it’s perfectly appropriate to consult another provider.

Third, stay informed. Organizations like Choosing Wisely (an initiative from the ABIM Foundation) maintain up-to-date lists of tests and procedures that are often overused. Bring them to your appointments or discuss them with your provider.

Trust, But Also Verify

No one is suggesting that your doctor is out to harm you. Most medical professionals genuinely want what’s best for their patients. But outdated habits, legal fears, and patient expectations can all combine to perpetuate testing practices that aren’t backed by current science.

Being a wise patient in 2025 means more than just following orders. It means asking questions, understanding the why behind medical decisions, and taking part in your care. Outdated medical tests aren’t just a waste of time. They can cost you money, peace of mind, and even your health.

Have you or a loved one ever been advised to take a medical test that seemed unnecessary or confusing? What did you do?

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Riley Jones

Riley Jones is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.