Examining the social, medical, and economic ramifications of a health care system that unnecessarily diagnoses and treats patients, Welch makes a reasoned call for change that would save us from countless unneeded surgeries, debilitating anxiety, and exorbitant costs.

Doctors often base the advice that they give you on little or no research. Prescriptions may be based on a drug ad the doctor saw, or on tainted data he received from a drug company sales rep. Over the years Berry has been researching the medical myths and outright lies that doctors tell their patients. His book is designed to eliminate confusion about the topics, and to encourage open and honest patient-doctor discussions. -- adapted from back cover...