Are We Doing Too Much? Rethinking Over-Medicalization and Over-Diagnosis
Is more medicine always better? Across the U.S. and around the world, patients are prescribed more drugs, offered more screenings, and subjected to more interventions than ever before. Yet many experts warn that this surge in care does not always equal better health. Over-medicalization and over-diagnosis are creating a crisis where patients may face unnecessary risks, stress, and expenses—without improved outcomes.
In this post, we examine how both RFK Jr. and A Return to Healing challenge the idea that “more is better.” Instead, they call for a new focus: patient autonomy, thoughtful care, and real healing.
RFK Jr. on Over-Medicalization and Corporate Influence
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has become a prominent voice raising concerns about over-medicalization and over-diagnosis. He argues that many interventions—including vaccines, prescription drugs, and even routine treatments—are sometimes pushed more for corporate profit than for patient need.
RFK Jr. points to the power of pharmaceutical companies, insurance giants, and hospital systems in shaping what care is offered. He warns that this system often encourages excess, rather than true healing, leading to unnecessary medicalization of everyday life.
The Measure-Diagnose-Fix Trap: A Return to Healing’s Perspective
A Return to Healing explores the history behind our current system. Drs. Andy Lazris and Alan Roth argue that the Flexnerian model—focusing on measurement, diagnosis, and “fixes”—has led to a healthcare culture that prizes protocols over people.
This measure-diagnose-fix mindset can mean:
- Over-diagnosing conditions that may not need treatment
- Prescribing drugs or procedures out of habit, not necessity
- Overlooking the unique needs and stories of each patient
The result? Many individuals receive more medicine and more interventions—but not always more health or healing.
The Real Consequences for Patients
The impact of over-medicalization and over-diagnosis is deeply personal.
Patients face side effects and complications from unnecessary drugs or treatments. They may experience increased anxiety, frustration, and even lose trust in their doctors and the healthcare system as a whole. Financial burdens grow as costs mount for treatments that may not be needed.
Imagine a patient who receives a new diagnosis at every visit, only to feel worse—not better—because of mounting medications and procedures. This is a common story in modern healthcare.
Patient Autonomy:
Charting a Healthier Path
Both RFK Jr. and A Return to Healing agree:
The answer isn’t always more medicine—it’s more partnership.
Patient autonomy is at the heart of real healing. This means:
- Honest conversations about risks, benefits, and alternatives
- Shared decision-making between patients and providers
- Focusing on whole-person care, not just checklists or lab results
By asking questions, weighing options, and working together, patients and doctors can push back against unnecessary interventions and create a more balanced, individualized care experience.
Moving Forward: Less Can Be More
Over-medicalization and over-diagnosis are symptoms of a system that has lost sight of its true mission—healing. Both RFK Jr. and A Return to Healing urge a shift from protocol-driven excess to compassionate, patient-centered care.
If you’re ready to break free from the “more is better” mentality, take control of your health, and reclaim your role as a partner in care, now is the time to act.
Order A Return to Healing to learn more about building a system where patient autonomy and individualized care come first.
🎥 TL;DR: When More Medicine Isn’t Better
Over-medicalization and over-diagnosis are real threats to patient well-being. More tests, prescriptions, and procedures don’t always lead to better outcomes—in fact, they can create harm, confusion, and higher costs. The answer? Thoughtful, individualized care and empowered patients who participate in their own healing journey.
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