My approach to practicing medicine has always been to think first! In medical school, I was told many times that the history and physical exam will give the complete picture most of the time. I have found this to be true much more often than not. For this reason, I am very careful not to order frivolous testing. I make it a point to explain my thought process. If there are no good reasons to order a particular test, then it should not be done as the risk of false positive results and harm to you increases!
Routine health testing such as pap smears for women every 5 years and for those with average risk for colon cancer a colonoscopy starting at age 45 years saves lives. I have always worked diligently to get all my patients to schedule and have the screening tests appropriate for their sex and age.
All medications have risks; Therefore, I am very cautious with regards to prescribing. A great example is antibiotics. They have always been a great addition to the practice of medicine; however, their use in treating the common cold or bronchitis in the average person is inappropriate and risky. For this reason, I do not prescribe them for these conditions.