ABIM Initiative Choosing Wisely

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Posted By: Roberta Mullin April 9, 2012

ABIM Choosing Wisely Project Underway

An original concept of the National Physicians Alliance, Choosing Wisely is now an initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The initiative is promoting patient care that is supported by evidence, does not duplicate unnecessary tests, and is free from harm. It is important that doctors and their patients work together to make wise treatment decisions. National organizations have come together with ABIM to help in the cause. The groups have been asked to identify five tests or procedures that are common to their medical fields and the necessity of those procedures should be questioned or discussed.

The leading independent and consumer organization, Consumer Reports, has also joined and is supporting the initiative. They are able to provide resources for consumers and physicians to work together in patient care. They are developing and distributing materials through nationwide consumer groups to help patients have the right information to engage with their health care provider about their treatment. Some of the consumer groups include AARP, National Business Coalition on Health, National Partnership for Women and Families, and the Wikipedia Community. See all the partners involved.

The nine societies joining the first prong of the Choosing Wisely project are:

  • American College of Radiology (ACR)
  • American College of Physicians (ACP)
  • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI)
  • American Academy of Family Physicians
  • American College of Cardiology
  • American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
  • American Society of Nephrology (ASN)
  • American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC)

The lists are known as “Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question”. They are evidence-based recommendations from each of the organizations that should be discussed to help make wise decisions when it comes to patient care. Read their current lists, how the lists were compiled, and their sources.

Listen to Voice of the Doctor with Dr. Nick and his guest Dr. Bill Boonn discuss Choosing Wisely from his Friday show. It rebroadcasts everyday this week at 2:30pm and 10:30pm ET on HealthcareNOWradio.com.

Take Diagnostic Imaging “Poll of the Week: Overused Imaging Exams“. As part of the ABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely campaign, the ACR released five common imaging tests that should be discussed before being ordered.