I recently went in for a checkup and, as a part of that, got a blood test. My liver panel had an elevated ALT, so I was referred to a gastroenterologist. He sen

I recently went in for a checkup and, as a part of that, got a blood test. My liver panel had an elevated ALT, so I was referred to a gastroenterologist. He sent me for an MRI, where he saw what he thought was cancer. So, then it's off for a liver scope, which gave me pancreatitis and put me in the hospital for a solid week of really intense pain and tens of thousands in medical bills. Turns out the scope found nothing and I'm perfectly healthy (I have a suspicion that the elevated ALT was from riding my bike to the doctor's office). The lesson I learned was that every time you step into a medical facility you're increasing your risk for disease. You shouldn't be afraid of tests, but they are absolutely not without risk. But everyone thinks that more tests and procedures make you healthier and that anything less than the most is "rationing". It's insane.