Earlier this year the ABIM Foundation announced a new initiative called Choosing Wisely. This initiative aims to encourage conversations between physicians and their patients to improve care and eliminate unnecessary tests and procedures. Choosing Wisely promotes smart and effective care choices that are: supported by evidence; not duplicative of other tests or procedures already received; free from unnecessary risk or harm; truly necessary. The Choosing Wisely website offers resources for physicians and patients to assist in making good care choices.

Specialty-specific resources

The following nine specialty societies released lists specific to their specialty called Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question: 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 These lists are available on the "Lists" page of the Choosing Wisely website. Each one provides information on when tests and procedures may be appropriate, as well as the methodology used in creating lists. Physicians and their patients can discuss the evidence-based recommendations included in these lists to help make wise care decisions based on each patient?s individual situation. Several additional specialty society partners have also joined the Choosing Wisely initiative and will release their lists in the fall. Consumer Reports, the nation?s leading independent, nonprofit consumer organization, has also joined the campaign. Along with the medical societies, they have developed the following summaries for patient reference: When do you need an EKG or stress test for heart disease? When do you need an imaging test for a headache? When do you need antibiotics for sinusitis?

Video mini-series

On the "Resources" page of the Choosing Wisely website is a series of video vignettes featuring physicians and patients. Topics addressed in the series include shared decision-making, simplifying health care, costs associated with health care, the doctor/patient relationship, and professionalism. Be sure to visit the Choosing Wisely website for more information about this initiative and for many useful resources in the effort to help physicians become better stewards of finite health care resources.