USA Today reports on what it says are “tens of thousands” of unnecessary surgeries that are performed each year. USA Today made the assessment after viewing “government records and medical databases finds.” In fact, “unnecessary surgeries might account for 10% to 20% of all operations in some specialties, including a wide range of cardiac procedures.” In the last seven years, over “1,000 doctors have made payments to settle or close malpractice claims in surgical cases that involved allegations of unnecessary or inappropriate procedures.” Of course, there are also unneeded costs associated with the surgeries.
From the American Association for Justice news release.