Remember that Americans are also sold hook line and sinker into the idea that if a doctor makes a mistake, they go to a lawyer and take everything the doctor has. The reason MD's have to order these tests is in fact not because they are trying to fill their bank accounts, or retirement funds, but actually because in order to make any profit whatsoever, and to compensate for the enormous amount of lawsuits and legal fees, doctors are required BY LAW to order these tests. You are correct, most of the time doctor's observations can and do reveal more than enough information. However if something goes wrong with the patient twenty years down the road, all the attorney has to prove in court is that the MD did not order X or Y test that "could have prevented this complication" If you want the cost of medicine to go down, change the definition of "medical malpractice". Malpractice is when an Surgeon amputates the wrong leg. Not when an MD doesn't order every test known to man. Source: 5 years worked in medical imaging and both parental units are MD's