Question:
Should I get a screening heart stress test to evaluate for heart disease at my yearly physical if I don’t have a history of worsening heart disease?
Answer:
No
MedHead Confidence Score: 8
Amount Saved: $3,800 cost of stress test
MedHead Message:
If your ten-year heart attack risk is less than 10%, don’t get a screening stress test. This is often included in an executive physical, which is essentially a colossal waste of money. Do yourself a favor and skip the executive physical, and use it to take your loved one on a mini-vacation, courtesy of MedHead 🙂
References:
1. http://www.choosingwisely.org/clinician-lists/american-college-physicians-exercise-electrocardiogram-testing-in-asymptomatic-low-risk-patients/ 2. http://health.costhelper.com/stress-tests.html
