Which scenario best represents overuse?

• A. A provider gives a service that clearly benefits the patient.
• B. A provider prescribes a health care intervention even though it will not improve outcomes.
• C. A patient cannot access needed care.
• D. A provider denies needed tests.

Answer: (B)

Overuse happens when a medical service is provided even though it’s unlikely to help the patient, adding unnecessary risk and cost. In this scenario, prescribing a health care intervention that won’t improve outcomes fits that idea because the service offers no real benefit and can expose the patient to side effects, plus it wastes resources that could be used elsewhere.

The other situations aren’t overuse. Giving a service that clearly benefits the patient is appropriate care. If a patient can’t access needed care, that describes underuse or access barriers, not overuse. Denying needed tests reflects underuse or inappropriate barriers, depending on the context, rather than providing an unnecessary service.