>>The plural of anecdote is not data. ;-)
>>
>>In scientific terms an anecdote can disprove an assertion but it can never prove it.
>>
>>The proper use of anecdote is as an illustration, to say something about the person with the anecdote, or to counter somebody else's "factual" absolute assertion.
>>
>>Example: if an expert claims that people in Europe may have free healthcare but can't afford clothes, a photo of people exiting Burberry's on Regent Street is a useful anecdote to counter the assertion. Whereas a photo of some homeless people under a bridge does not prove the assertion.
>>
>>These simple principles would knock a lot of silliness on the head. ;-)
>>
>>The other question I would ask is: why is it assumed that a battery of tests and investigations is better care? Is there any evidence that all these tests lead to a better result? Especially for something like gout?! If not, perhaps this is some of the entrenched waste Obama talks about.
>
>I can't answer that without research. I'm sure some require tests for verification, but it should still be the doctor's call or do you disagree? If not the doctor, who do you think is the best person to make that decision?

I heard a report on NPR the other day, that said that Doctors order rafts of unnecessary or questionable tests to rule out the possiblity of malpractice claims. Lower the liability limits and cap them, and you solve part of the problem.