In the national Choosing Wisely campaign, more than 70 medical specialty societies recommend tests or procedures that doctors and patients should question.
The goal is to encourage physicians to talk to patients about the risks and benefits of costly tests and treatments that may be ineffective, unnecessary or unwanted.
Now, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, the parent company of Univera Healthcare, has launched a website dedicated to Choosing Wisely information developed by Consumer Reports where patients can find the more than 450 recommendations. The American Board of Internal Medicine started the Choosing Wisely campaign in 2012 in partnership with Consumer Reports.
“Our health plan is working closely with local physicians, employers and patients to educate them about the Choosing Wisely recommendations and the educational resources that are available through Consumer Reports,” Dr. Matthew Bartels, M.D., Excellus medical director for health care improvement, said in a statement.
In general, the campaign suggests patients talk to their doctors about whether they really need a particular test or procedure, what are the risks, and are there simpler, safer options.
Date: June 27, 2016