All medical procedures, should have a simple, layperson-friendly "Facts Label", similar to nutrition labels found on foods.
These labels would list the beneficial and adverse outcomes of the procedure and the known or estimated probability of each. Commonly assumed outcomes with no scientific evidence would also be listed.
Such labels would be used by patients and doctors to make facts-based decisions on medical treatment. They would also provide a focus for medical research.
It is our expectation that these "facts labels" will: 1) Reduce unnecessary procedures (especially surgeries), 2) Help patients to control their health care with reliable, facts-based information, and 3) dramatically reduce health care costs.