AARP Magazine, June 25, 2008 UTMB's Dr. Shawn D. Newlands is quoted in this article that explores, among other things, why some doctors prescribe certain drugs or order certain tests that they otherwise might not.  Some doctors order an MRI for every patient who walks in the door complaining of hearing loss, says Newlands. But a more rational approach is to explain to the patient that there is only a small chance of a tumor. The doctor should say, "Let's check your hearing in six months." But many doctors don't do that, says Newlands, because they worry the patient will go to a physician down the street, who will find a tumor, and the patient will turn around and sue the doctor who suggested waiting. He says, "It's cheaper for the doctor to abuse the system and order an MRI for every patient with hearing loss."