Anyone who's ever undergone a slew of costly and time-consuming medical procedures has probably wondered the same thing at least once: Is any of this actually worth it?Sometimes, the answer is simply no.
In an eye-opening new initiative from the ABMI Foundation and Consumer Reports, nine United States specialty societies representing 374,000 physicians developed lists of "Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question" in recognition of the importance of physician and patient conversations to improve care and eliminate unnecessary tests and procedures.
These lists represent specific, evidence-based recommendations physicians and patients should discuss to help make wise decisions about the most appropriate care based on their individual situation. Each list provides information on when tests and procedures may be appropriate, as well as the methodology used in its creation. What tests and procedures should patients and physicians talk about? Read the lists:
You'll find complete lists from each organization at ChoosingWisely.org or by clicking the links below:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
American Academy of Family Physicians
American College of Cardiology
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
American Gastroenterological Association
American Society of Clinical Oncology
American Society of Nephrology
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
Read also an opinion piece from the NYTimes
Do you Really Need that Medical Test?
