[Kent-share] Mamograms and Leeches

With all the furor about Mamograms, someone wrote this humorous article:

I don't know if you saw this news item yesterday, but the U.S.
Treatment Services Task Force announced that leeches aren't a
particularly good treatment for most ailments. While noting that
leeches might still be useful for certain specific circulation
disorders, the USTSTF recommended against their use in other
situations, like halitosis and appendicitis.

You can imagine the outrage. Although the Task Force has no power
to make anyone do anything, Rep. Dave Camp (R) was heard on NPR's
Morning Edition saying, "This is an even better example than death
panels to illustrate the insidious encroachment of government into the
health decisions made between a doctor and a patient." Camp also
neglected to address the facts that overuse of leeches is (1)
expensive, and science-based recommendations about appropriate use
would save the government money without harming patients, and (2) can
lead to negative side effects, such as upsetting the body's natural
humoral balance.

Widespread concern of regular citizens that leeches would no
longer be offered by their doctors, was shared by industry leaders. "I
am deeply concerned about the actions of the USTSTF in severely
limiting access to leeches. These recommendations, in combination with
recent Medicare cuts to leech reimbursement, jeopardizes access to
both long proven and cutting-edge bloodletting technologies," stated
James H. Thrall, M.D., FACR, Chair of the American College of
Bloodletting Board of Chancellors. Dr. Thrall neglected to note that
the USTSTF did not limit access to anything, and merely made a
recommendation.

Fortunately, the Secretary of Health and Human Services rushed to
the microphone to pledge for the record that there would be no changes
to Medicare or Medicaid coverage while she was on the job. "My message
to patients is simple. Leeches have always been an important
life-saving tool in the fight against pretty much any sickness they
still are today. Keep doing what you have been doing for years -- talk
to your doctor about your individual history, ask questions, and make
the decision that is right for you."

Few commentators highlighted the rigorous science-based process
of the USTSTF, the evidence against leech use in most cases, and the
harms caused by the excessive use of leeches to treat illnesses
ranging from fever to flatulence.