Consumer group urges hospitals to end mass screenings

[Emily]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/06/19/group-criticizes-health-fairs/10773791/

Consumer group urges hospitals to end mass screenings
Liz Szabo, USA TODAY 5:58 p.m. EDT June 19, 2014
Public Citizen urges hospitals to stop sponsoring HealthFair screenings

A consumer group called on hospitals across the USA to stop "fear mongering" by marketing health screenings directly to patients. Public Citizen says the low-cost tests ? advertised for what appear to be "bargain basement" prices ? often lead to expensive and even risky follow-up exams.

Although advanced medical tests can help carefully selected patients, selling them to the general public is more likely to harm than help people, says Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group...