No more standard lab research: GPs ‘better not to do these actions’

The guidelines are not intended to raise the threshold for a visit to the GP, says Burgers. “But if a doctor explains well why you don’t need medication or follow-up tests for something, then you are less likely to ask for it again in the future.” Burgers is not afraid that this will change the relationship of trust between doctor and patient. “The bond between doctor and patient is crucial. We don’t want to push back on our side either. But we want to avoid offering a standard examination for reassurance.”

In de Volkskrant, GP Toosje Valkenburg, who was not involved in the research, says that a photo or laboratory research can also help prevent senseless care. “In general I think this is a well-successful list, but I miss the argument that you sometimes use diagnostics to prevent further treatment from an expensive medical specialist.” You don’t always get away with talking, Valkenburg says. “Sometimes I say: OK, you get the photo, but if it indeed shows that there is nothing wrong, we continue on my path.”

healthcare costs

The better-not-do list seems to fit in with the vision of the future of the coalition agreement, which states that the health care system urgently needs to be reformed. For example, the cabinet wants to prevent overtreatment (if the treatment is no longer useful for the patient) and that more attention is paid to prevention instead of treatment. Also the health care institute launched in May a campaign in which ‘appropriate care’ was central.

According to the institute, healthcare is in danger of becoming unaffordable in the coming years and of imploding in terms of staffing levels.

You can see how fast spending has increased in recent years here:

–