The cost of health care in America is a common discussion in the news, and among both patients and physicians. Choosing Wisely, an initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation, is an evidence-based effort to promote discussions between physicians and patients when determining appropriate care. By removing duplicative diagnostics and procedures from the care plan, patient care can become more affordable and less stressful.
Twenty-six professional medical associations partnered with the ABIM Foundation to identify five unnecessary and/or duplicative procedures in each specialty. The Choosing Wisely revised recommendations were released on February 21st, 2013. A few examples…
- When is imaging recommended for lower back pain? See the recommendations from the American Academy of Family Physicians.
- Is screening recommended for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women of average risk? See the recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
- Are antipsychotics recommended to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia? See the recommendations from the American Geriatrics Society.
The ABIM Foundation partnered with Consumer Reports to prepare patient-friendly resources to address many of the tests and procedures discussed in the recommendations. Himmelfarb Library provides access to Consumer Reports Online via the Library’s E-Journals Page.
