Choosing Wisely campaign - Consumer Health Choices

Family doctors know that many patients get unneeded prescriptions. Obstetricians know that too many babies are delivered by C-section. Radiologists have seen a lot of pointless chest X-rays. Blood tests, EKGs, Pap tests and MRIs all are overused.

In fact, when doctors sit down with the medical evidence within their specialties, hundreds of tests and treatments turn out to be frequently unnecessary, duplicative or even harmful.

For the U.S. health system as a whole, it means 30 percent of medical spending is wasted.

For patients? It means their time, energy and money could have been focused on smarter, safer, and more effective care.

The Choosing Wisely campaign aims to help patients and doctors talk about what’s truly needed. The ABIM Foundation has joined with more than 70 medical specialty societies to develop evidence-based lists of tests and procedures that should be questioned.

And as a partner in that effort, Consumer Reports has created more than 120 free brochures for patients and their families, addressing the most common of these concerns. We also have free posters, videos, rack cards, and wallet cards that help people ask their healthcare providers the right questions.

To distribute this material, CR has engaged with more than 50 organizations across the country, who help share it with yet more patients and families.

Choosing Wisely campaign brochures

Consumer Reports creates consumer resources based on many of the Choosing Wisely topics. The titles below connect to our growing catalog of brochures.

Advice for Caregivers: Treatments and Tests for Seniors →

Some tests and treatments won’t help older adults. They may even be harmful, especially near the end of life.

Allergy Tests (AAAAI) →

If you don’t have symptoms or a medical evaluation that points to allergy, think twice about skin or blood tests.

Alzheimer’s Disease Testing (SNMMI) →

If you’re having memory problems, your doctor should look for other causes before ordering a brain scan.

Antibiotic Treatment in the Hospital (SHEA) →

The CDC is urging hospitals to cut back on the use of antibiotics when they are not needed. Here’s what you should know.

Antibiotics for Ear Infections in Children (AAFP) →

In most cases of middle ear infection, antibiotics are not needed. Here’s what to do instead.

Antibiotics for People With Catheters (AUA) →

Almost all people who have catheters have some bacteria in their urine. But that doesn’t mean they all need antibiotics.

Antibiotics for Pink Eye (AAO) →

Antibiotic eye drops or ointments don’t usually help with conjunctivitis. In fact, they can do more harm than good.

Antibiotics for Respiratory Illness in Adults (IDSA) →

Antibiotics don’t help most respiratory infections. Here’s when you need antibiotics, and when you don’t.

Antibiotics for Respiratory Illness in Children (AAP) →

Most of the time, children don’t need antibiotics for sore throat, cough or runny nose.

Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections in Older People (AGS) →

Many older people get antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections when they don’t need it.

Antibiotics for Your Skin (AAD) →

Some skin problems don’t stem from infections at all. So treating them with antibiotics can do more harm than good.

Antibiotics: When You Need Them and When You Don’t →

When and how to use antibiotics to help you and your loved ones avoid drug resistance.

Antibiotics: Will They Help You or Hurt You? →

Do you really need antibiotics? They can help you. But they also can harm you.

Antipsychotic Drugs for People with Dementia (AGS) →

Powerful antipsychotic drugs should not be the first choice for people with dementia. Here’s why.

Artery and Vein Problems (SVS) →

Vascular surgeons have listed four overused operations that are intended to treat vein and artery problems. If your doctor orders one of these, you should ask why.

Ask Your Doctor: Do I Need This Cancer Test or Treatment? (ASCO) →

You may not need some common forms of imaging, screening tests, monitoring and drug therapy for cancer.

Avoid Opioids for Most Long-Term Pain →

In this guide you can read what the experts say about using opioids.

Back Pain Tests and Treatments (AAPM&R) →

Some tests and treatments for back pain may not be right for you. That’s why it is important to talk to your doctor.

Bed Rest for Lower-Back Pain (NASS) →

Studies show that staying in bed longer than 48 hours won’t help with lower-back pain.

Blood Tests for Miscarriage Risk (SMFM) →

Blood tests for thrombophilia often are not needed, even if you have had a pregnancy problem.

Blood Tests in the Hospital (SHM) →

In the hospital, if your blood test results stay the same after a day or two, you may not need them again.

Blood Transfusions for Anemia in the Hospital (ASH) →

Anemia is usually not urgent. Usually you don’t need a lot of blood. Or you may not need any blood at all.

Bone-Density Tests (AAFP) →

If you’re not at higher risk for weak bones, you should think twice about the bone-density test. Here’s why.

Brain Scans for Head Injuries (AMSSM) →

Brain scans are usually not helpful for a concussion.

Breast Biopsy (CoC) →

In contrast with surgical or “open” biopsy, a needle biopsy is easier on the body.

Cancer Tests and Treatments (ASCO) →

Some tests, treatments, and procedures are not only unnecessary, they can even prove harmful.

Cardiac Imaging Stress Tests (ASNC) →

In some cases, especially in healthy people without chest pain, you should be cautious about the tests.

Care at the End of Life for Advanced Cancer Patients (ASCO) →

Although it is hard to accept, the best thing for you may be to stop treatment for the cancer.

Carotid Artery Surgery (AAN) →

Having some blockage in a carotid artery doesn’t automatically mean you should have artery-clearing surgery.

Chest X-rays Before Surgery (ACR) →

If you don’t have signs or symptoms of heart or lung disease, think twice about having a pre-operative X-ray.

Cholesterol Drugs for People Over 75 (AMDA) →

If you are age 75 or older and you haven’t had symptoms of heart disease, statins may be a bad idea.

Choosing Wisely: Antibiotics (Video) →

Antibiotics can help with some infections, but they’re not right for every situation.

Clogged Neck Arteries (AAFP) →

Do you need a screening test for clogged neck arteries?

CMR Tests for Chest Pain and Cardiac Screening (SCMR) →

CMR is an imaging test for heart disease. But it may not be the best test for you.

Colonoscopy (AGA) →

Even a very good test can be done too often.

CT Scans for Children With Head Injuries (AAP) →

For children with head injuries, a CT scan often is not needed.

CT Scans in the Emergency Department (ACEP) →

They may not be needed as often as you think.

CT Scans to Find Lung Cancer in Smokers (CHEST/ATS) →

The CT scan, used to look for early signs of lung cancer, is not useful for many smokers.

Dental Fillings That Contain Mercury (ACMT, AACT) →

It’s not necessary to replace fillings that contain mercury.

Diabetes Tests and Treatments →

If you have diabetes, when do you need to test your own glucose levels, and when do you need to take medication?

Dietary Supplements to Prevent Heart Disease or Cancer (ACPM) →

Research shows that most people don’t benefit from taking supplements to prevent heart disease or cancer.

Do You Need a CT Scan for a Head Injury? (ACEP) →

A health history and physical exam can help the doctor decide if you need a Computerized Tomography (CT) scan.

Drugs for Migraine Headaches (AAN) →

Think twice about treating migraine attacks with opioids or butalbital.

Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis (ACR) →

The older, “non-biologic” drugs are a better first choice for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Drugs to Prevent Infection During Chemotherapy (ASCO) →

When do you need CSFs? When don’t you need them?

Early Delivery (ACOG, AAFP) →

To hurry a baby’s birth can increase the risk of serious problems for both you and your baby.

Echocardiogram Before Surgery (ASE) →

If you’re having surgery, you may wonder if you need an echocardiogram first.

Echocardiography After Valve Surgery (STS) →

Sometimes the echocardiogram imaging test is done very soon after heart valve surgery, while you are still in the hospital. Usually that’s not useful.

Echocardiography for Heart Valve Disease (ACC) →

When do you need an echocardiogram?

EKGs and Exercise Stress Tests (AAFP) →

EKGs or exercise stress tests usually aren’t necessary for people without symptoms.

Feeding Tubes for People With Alzheimer’s (AGS, AAHPM) →

Feeding tubes sometimes do more harm than good. Here’s why.

Five Physical Therapy Treatments You Probably Don’t Need (APTA) →

Five common physical therapy treatments can lead to harm, more tests, and greater costs.

Getting the Right Care to Keep Your Children Healthy →

Parents have more choices than ever about medical tests and treatments for their kids. But which ones are right for your child—and which ones might do more harm than good?

Getting the Right Care to Stay Healthy as You Age →

Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common tests and treatments for older adults. It’s based on advice from medical experts and Consumer Reports.

Health Checkups (SGIM) →

You probably don’t need that yearly checkup. In fact, it can do more harm than good.

Heart Imaging Before Surgery (ACC) →

If you’re having surgery, you may wonder if you need a heart imaging test first to make sure it is safe.

Heart Imaging Tests Before Surgery (ASNC) →

If you don’t have heart problems, you probably don’t need a heart test before an operation.

Heart Stress Tests Before Chest Surgery (STS) →

Stress tests usually aren’t helpful if you don’t have heart problems.

HIV: When You Need CD4 Tests (HIVMA) →

If your treatment for HIV is working well, you usually need the CD4 count less often, if at all. Here’s why.

Home Apnea Monitors for SIDs (AAP) →

Home apnea monitors give little or no protection from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Home Oxygen After a Hospital Stay (CHEST/ATS) →

Many people who use long-term home oxygen therapy don’t need it.

Hospital Hazards (AAN) →

The American Academy of Nursing has identified four hospital practices that are usually unnecessary and may harm you.

Imaging and Blood Tests in Early Breast Cancer (ASCO) →

When do cancer experts recommend imaging tests and tumor marker tests?

Imaging for Hearing Problems (AAO-HNSF) →

For tinnitus or sudden hearing loss, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs can be unnecessary, costly, or even harmful.

Imaging Tests After a Heart Procedure (ACC) →

If you’ve had bypass surgery or a stent inserted to open a blocked artery, do you need regular imaging tests?

Imaging Tests for Back Pain (AAFP) →

It seems like getting an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to find the cause would be a good idea.

Imaging Tests for Early Prostate Cancer (ASCO) →

It’s not always a good idea to get all the tests that are available. You may not need them.

Imaging Tests for Headaches (ACR) →

Many with severe headaches want a CT scan or MRI to see if they have a tumor or other serious problem.

Imaging Tests for Heart Disease (ACC) →

If you are a healthy person without symptoms, you should think twice about having these tests.

Imaging Tests for Ovarian Cysts (ACR) →

Repetitive ultrasound exams may not be necessary.

Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy (AAAAI) →

Some people receive the treatment even though they don’t need it.

Implanted Heart Devices at the End of Life (AAHPM) →

An ICD helps the heart beat normally. But if you are near death, those shocks can make things worse.

Kidney Disease (ASN) →

Here are four important tests and treatments you should carefully discuss with your family and doctor

Lab Tests Before Surgery (ASCP) →

Most healthy people don’t need blood or urine tests done before surgery, especially low-risk surgery. Here’s why.

Lyme Disease Tests (ACR) →

There are two blood tests for Lyme disease, but usually you don’t need them. Here’s why.

Making Smart Decisions About Genetic Testing (ACMG) →

Sometimes a genetic test is not the best way to find an inherited condition or disease risk.

Managing Side Effects of Cancer and its Treatments (AAN) →

Some methods used to manage symptoms and side effects do not work. And some proven methods are often overlooked.

Medical Tests Before Eye Surgery (AAO) →

Most people don’t need to have their blood tested or their heart checked before they have eye surgery. Here’s why.

Medical Tests Before Surgery →

Often, pre-operative tests are not necessary. It is not a good idea to get them just because you’re having surgery.

Medicines to Relieve Chronic Pain (ASA) →

Opioids (narcotics) usually are not the best way to treat long-term pain like arthritis, back pain or headaches.

Medicines to Treat Cancer (ASCO) →

Drugs used to treat cancer can also cause harm, and some are very expensive. Here’s what to discuss with your doctor.

Monitoring Your Baby’s Heartbeat During Labor (AAN) →

During labor and birth, the type of fetal heart rate monitoring called IA, for intermittent auscultation, is often the better choice.

Neck and Back Pain: When You Need Tests (AANEM) →

If the symptoms are severe or continue for a while, you may need an electrodiagnostic test.

Oral Antibiotics for Ear Infections (AAO-HNSF) →

Sometimes antibiotic eardrops are safer and more effective than oral antibiotics.

Overactive Bladder and Pelvic Organ Prolapse (AUGS) →

Here’s what women should know about tests and treatments for these conditions.

Painkiller Choices With Kidney or Heart Problems (ASN) →

If you suffer from high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease, steer clear of some pain relievers.

Palliative Care (AAHPM) →

With palliative care, you can get physical, emotional, and spiritual support at any stage of a serious illness.

Pap Tests (AAFP) →

Many teenage girls and some women have the test when they don’t need it. Here’s why.

Pelvic Exams and Pap Tests Before Contraceptives (AAFP) →

You usually don’t need a Pap test and pelvic exam before getting birth control pills.

PET Scans After Cancer Treatment (ASCO) →

If you’ve been treated for cancer, you may not need PET scans to check for a return of the cancer.

Preventing Infections in the Hospital (SHM) →

Watch out for two overused hospital medical practices, urinary catheters and ulcer drugs.

Preventing Seizures After an Ischemic Stroke (AANS, CNS) →

Anti-seizure medicine is not usually necessary after an ischemic stroke.

PSA Test for Prostate Cancer (AAFP) →

The PSA screening test is widely used, but often is not needed.

PSA Tests for Prostate Cancer (AUA) →

The PSA test is the only available screening test for prostate cancer, but it can have serious risks.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Radiation for Cancer (ASTRO) →

Radiation therapy can help treat cancer and the painful symptoms from tumors. But it’s not always needed.

Radiation Therapy for Breast and Gynecologic Cancers (ASTRO) →

When it comes to radiation therapy, sometimes less is more. Use this advice to start a conversation with your doctor about the benefits and risks.

Radiation Therapy for Cancer (ASTRO) →

Here is advice for talking with your doctor about whether to use radiation as part of cancer treatment.

Screening Tests for Brain Aneurysms (AANS) →

Screening healthy people for weak areas in the brain’s blood vessels can do more harm than good.

Screening Tests for Ovarian Cancer (SGO) →

Ultrasound and the CA-125 blood test are not useful for screening low-risk women for ovarian cancer.

Screening Tests: When You Need Them, When You Don’t →

It’s important to know which tests you need, and how often you need them.

Sentinel Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer (CoC, NAPBC) →

If you have breast cancer, there is a newer, simpler surgery to check your lymph nodes.

Sleeping Pills for Children With Insomnia (AASM) →

Sleep drugs aren’t made for children. There are no prescription drugs approved in the U.S. to treat childhood insomnia.

Sleeping Pills for Insomnia (AASM) →

Sleeping pills are often not the best option for insomnia. Here’s what you need to know.

Sleeping Pills for Insomnia and Anxiety in Older People (AGS) →

Older adults usually should try other non-drug treatments first, for insomnia and anxiety.

Spirometry for Asthma (AAAAI) →

Many people who need the test don’t receive it.

Stable Heart Disease (SCAI) →

You may not need an angiogram if your heart disease is stable. Here’s why.

Stress Tests After a Stent Procedure (SCAI) →

Stress tests usually aren’t helpful after a stent procedure, unless you have symptoms of heart disease.

Stress Tests Before Surgery (SVM) →

If you’re having surgery, you will probably not need a heart stress test beforehand if you are healthy, active, and feeling well, or if you’re having minor surgery.

Stress Tests for Chest Pain (ASNC) →

If you’re at low risk for having a heart problem, even if you have symptoms, you usually don’t need this imaging test.

Supplements for Osteoarthritis (AAOS) →

The popular supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate do not help relieve arthritic knees.

Taking Medicines Safely (ASHP) →

It is more precise to measure medicines in milliliters, instead of using a kitchen spoon.

Testing After Heart Procedures (ASNC) →

Unless you’re experiencing symptoms, this test usually isn’t helpful in the first few years after heart bypass surgery or a stent procedure.

Testosterone for Erection Problems (AUA) →

Unless you have other symptoms of low testosterone, you should think twice about the treatment. Here’s why.

Tests and Treatments Employees May Not Need (ACOEM) →

Employers should consider these guidelines when sending workers or job candidates to the doctor.

Tests and Treatments for Prostate Cancer →

It can be hard to know which tests and treatments to get for prostate cancer. This report pulls together the latest advice from experts.

Tests and Treatments for Women with Breast Cancer (ASBS) →

If your doctor recommends one of these five procedures, ask if it’s really necessary. And ask about the risks and costs.

Tests Before Heart Surgery (STS) →

Before heart surgery, you probably don’t need a breathing test or carotid ultrasound test, unless you have breathing problems or symptoms.

Treating Acute Blood Clots (ASH) →

If you have a deep blood clot, you probably don’t need a device called an IVC filter. They don’t work better than blood-thinning drugs.

Treating Blocked Leg Arteries (SVM) →

Most people with Peripheral Artery Disease won’t benefit from surgery or angioplasty.

Treating Frequent Headaches With Pain Relievers (AHS) →

It is easy to use too much pain medicine. This can make headaches worse and cause other medical problems.

Treating Heartburn and GERD (AGA) →

In most cases of heartburn a PPI isn’t necessary.

Treating Low-Risk Prostate Cancer (ASTRO) →

If you have prostate cancer, but it poses a low risk to you, consider “watchful waiting.”

Treating Plantar Fasciitis (AOFAS) →

Some doctors recommend surgery. But that can lead to complications, and it doesn’t always work.

Treating Sinusitis (AAAAI) →

Millions of people are prescribed antibiotics each year for sinusitis.

Treating Sinusitis (AAFP) →

Millions of people are prescribed antibiotics each year for sinusitis.

Treating Sleep Problems (APA) →

If you have insomnia, antipsychotic drugs should not be the first choice of treatment.

Treatments and Tests Your Baby May Not Need in the Hospital (AAP) →

Here are some common tests and treatments a premature baby may not need.

Unnecessary Treatments in the Emergency Room (ACEP) →

Three procedures commonly used in the emergency room are unnecessary in many cases.

Urinary Tract Infections in Older People (AGS, AMDA) →

Older adults are often tested for UTIs. But if you don’t have symptoms, the tests are not very useful.

Vision Care for Children (AAPOS) →

There are several common vision tests and procedures that many children do not need.

Vitamin D Tests (ASCP) →

Doctors often order a blood test to measure your vitamin D, but the results are unlikely to change their advice.

When It’s Hard to Get Pregnant (ASRM) →

Some fertility tests are not usually needed. For example, most couples don’t need laparoscopies or post-coital tests.

When You Need a CT Scan to Check for a Blood Clot in Your Lungs (ACEP) →

If you have most of the signs and risk factors for a blood clot in your lungs, it may be wise to have a CT scan. If not, you may receive a D-dimer blood test first.

Which Dental Treatments Are Right for You? (ADA) →

Here are some facts about common dental treatments. Ask your dentist which treatments are best for you and your family.

Whole-Body Scans to Screen for Cancer (ACPM) →

No medical society recommends whole-body scans. There is no evidence that they are a good screening tool.

Why the Doctor May Not Order a CT Scan for Kidney Stones (ACEP) →

For most people, a urine test, blood test and health history are all that’s needed to diagnose kidney stones.

Campaign videos

Consumer Reports has created about a dozen videos about the Choosing Wisely campaign and about its popular topics. We urge you to share them with anyone who could use this information.

Here are some examples:

5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor from Consumer Health Choices.

Imaging for Lower Back Pain from Consumer Health Choices.

Choosing Wisely: Public Service Announcement from Consumer Health Choices.

Physician partners

Organizations of physicians and other providers participating in Choosing Wisely^® include:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
American Academy of Clinical Toxicology
American Academy of Dermatology
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
American Academy of Neurology
American Academy of Nursing
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
American Association of Blood Banks
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
American College of Cardiology
American College of Chest Physicians
American College of Emergency Physicians
American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
American College of Medical Toxicology
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
American College of Physicians
American College of Preventive Medicine
American College of Radiology
American College of Rheumatology
American College of Surgeons
American Dental Association
American Gastroenterological Association
American Geriatrics Society
American Headache Society
AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
American Physical Therapy Association
American Psychiatric Association
American Society of Anesthesiologists
American Society of Clinical Oncology
American Society for Clinical Pathology
American Society of Echocardiography
American Society of Hematology
American Society of Nephrology
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
American Society for Radiation Oncology
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
American Thoracic Society
American Urogynecologic Society
American Urological Association
Commission on Cancer
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Endocrine Society
Heart Rhythm Society
Infectious Diseases Society of America
National Physicians Alliance
North American Spine Society
Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions
Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Society of Critical Care Medicine
Society of General Internal Medicine
Society of Gynecologic Oncology
Society of Hospital Medicine
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Society for Vascular Medicine

Here is the full updated list of specialty medical society partners.

Choosing Wisely grantees

In spring 2015, the ABIM Foundation — with continued funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) — awarded a second round of grants to organizations that promote the goals of the Choosing Wisely campaign.

These new grants support seven initiatives focused on reducing utilization of inappropriate tests and treatments. Each initiative includes delivery systems, hospitals and/or medical groups collaborating with multi-stakeholder community-based groups and physician-led organizations.

Greater Detroit Area Health Council

The Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC) has 70 years of experience leading multi-stakeholder projects on health care cost, quality, utilization and access. GDAHC will work with the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), the Detroit Medical Center Physician Organization, The Henry Ford Physician Network and others to reduce unnecessary care in the Detroit region.

Integrated Healthcare Association

California’s Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA), a nonprofit multi-stakeholder group focused on promoting quality improvement, accountability and affordability, will lead a project designed to promote appropriate care in both northern and southern California. IHA will partner with provider organizations Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group (San Diego County) and Sutter Health (Sacramento/Central Valley/San Francisco Bay), the California chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP-CA), the Center for Healthcare Decisions (CHCD) and Blue Shield of California (BSC).

Maine Quality Counts

Maine Quality Counts (MQC), a multi-stakeholder regional health improvement collaborative and previous Foundation grantee, will lead an effort focused on Maine’s Midcoast and Greater Bangor regions. MQC will work with local partners and statewide organizations: Maine Medical Association, Maine Osteopathic Association, Consumers for Affordable Healthcare, Maine Area Agencies on Aging, and providers Mid Coast Health System, Martin’s Point Health Care, Penobscot Community Health Care, and Joseph Healthcare.

North Carolina Healthcare Quality Alliance

The North Carolina Healthcare Quality Alliance, a non-profit health collaborative, will work to reduce unnecessary care in central North Carolina and the rest of the state. NCHQA will partner with the North Carolina Medical Society, Duke Medicine, Cornerstone Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees.

University of California, Los Angeles

The UCLA Department of Medicine will lead a coalition of six partners working toward a dramatic reduction in low value care. The coalition includes: the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the Los Angeles County DHS Primary Care Practice Based Research Network, The Wellness Center at Historic General Hospital, and the Society of General Internal Medicine.

Washington Health Alliance

The Washington Health Alliance (WHA), a purchaser-led regional health improvement collaborative and previous grantee, will continue to partner with the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA), another former grantee, to use Choosing Wisely to shape the state’s health care system. They will be joined by two provider organizations, Group Health Cooperative and Swedish Health Services.

Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality

The Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality (WCHQ), a regional healthcare collaborative and past ABIM Foundation grantee in advancing Choosing Wisely, will partner with provider organizations Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Monroe Clinic, the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians and the Wisconsin Medical Society.

Methods

As part of Choosing Wisely^®, each participating specialty society has identified its own list of five common tests or procedures whose use in their profession should be discussed or questioned. The societies were given the following parameters to develop the lists:

Each item should be within the specialty’s purview and control;
Procedures should be used frequently and/or carry a significant cost; and
There needs to be evidence to support each recommendation.

Consumer Reports then is creating consumer education materials for each item, intended for patients and their families.