I had major orhtopedic surgery in late April. Prior to the surgery, the surgeon required a complete physical examination from a doctor on the staff of the same hospital where the surgery was to be performed in Chicago. I had a complete physical exam three months earlier done by a doctor in The Villages. None of the results of that exam were deemed acceptable. In the new physical the internist thought it would be a good idea if I had a stress test. Forget that I have had no experience or tests that suggest a heart problem.

If ALL these tests and procedures weren't unnecessary, they were at the very least a huge abundance of caution.

Medicare paid for it all. The "old" physical and tests, as well as another three months later.