Figure 25-4 Theory and actuality of what happens to well-being as testing increases. The straight line represents the common theory that "the more testing, the better"; that is, that well-being increases with testing. The A-to-E curve shows what actually happens as testing increases. At a certain point (point C), more harm than good may result. Therefore, point C represents the optimal point in the well-being versus testing relationship. The goal of using guidelines is to direct resources from point E to point C (to reduce testing and to increase well-being). Unless health-care providers allocate health resources in a cost-efficient manner, governmental restrictions will move testing from point C to point A—that is, will ration testing that improves well-being.