As you may have read in the news this week, a group of nine medical societies released a list of 45 common tests and procedures and urged doctors to prescribe them less frequently as apart of a new initiative called Choosing Wisely. In doing so, the coalition hopes to encourage discussions between physicians and patients about choosing care that is free from harm, necessary, not duplicative of other tests or procedures and supported by evidence.
David Magnus, PhD, director of the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, discussed the initiative and the pros and cons of the recommendations yesterday during a segment on KQED'S Forum.
Previously: Personal essays highlight importance of cost-conscious medical decisions and Study shows increase in unnecessary MRI use and spending
