It's not strictly a US health care problem either - I've been dumbfounded by foreign coworkers pressing for totally unnecessary medical interventions as if there's no risk associated with doing such things. It's most apparent from the socialized states where the healthcare is ~free.

My impression is this is a modern civilization stupidity in general.

apropos Dead Kennedys track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVULKYbAeEo