The American Board of Internal Medicine has taken a concept from the National Physicians Alliance and expanded it into a campaign appropriately titled, “Choosing Wisely.” The initiative promotes evidence based patient care that does not rely on duplicative and often unnecessary medical tests.
Nine medical societies have each compiled lists that identify tests and procedures commonly used in their field that should be questioned and discussed by doctors and patients. For example, the American Academy of Family Physicians advises against Pap smears on women under 21 and those who have had a hysterectomy unrelated to cancer. That makes sense given Pap smears test for cervical cancer and most women who have hysterectomies also lose their cervix.
Some have labeled efforts at lowering costs and making care more efficient and effective have “health care rationing.”
Supporters say they promote the practice of good medicine.
What do you think? Will fewer tests lead to rationing care? Click the link below to take our poll.