If you see free medical screening tests at your local pharmacy or gym – skip it...

There’s a new trend in medical diagnostics to-go...

Fancy machines that offer diagnostics such as electrocardiograms and echocardiograms are popping up in pharmacies, the gym, the mall and even some churches. These tests are often offered at discounted rates or for free. So are they worth it? No, according to the American College of Physicians. The problem is that preventative tests really need to be administered by experts. The commercial testing machines are often placed in high-traffic areas just to drum up business. 

Your doctor should be the only one to determine your need for tests. You have individual risk-factors and circumstances that need personal attention. Walk-up medical tests can be unnecessary, or worse - you could wind up with inaccurate results.