. . . a disease-care system out of control Most patients like to believe that their doctors' decisions regarding treatment are motivated by concern for patient health. However, according to a new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, all too many physician decisions are motivated by fear and greed, leading to an epidemic of over-treatment. In a survey of 627 members of the AMA, 75% admitted to over-treating patients due to fears of malpractice charges, while 62% agreed that diagnostic testing would be reduced if it didn't generate revenue. Since doctors are paid for both procedures and tests, the temptations to over-test and over-treat are great. Doctors also say they do more tests because they don't get enough time with their patients. Meanwhile another study found that in 2009 over $6.7 billion in excess healthcare spending was wasted in the primary care setting alone (primary care refers to health practitioners like family doctors who make initial assessments and oft…