'Choosing Wisely' lists procedures, risks, costs
'Choosing Wisely' can help you understand risks of common procedures, and help you decide on benefits versus costs
Doctors are taking a look at how they practice, and have come up with lists aimed at helping avoid unneccessary and possibly costly procedures.
The initiative is called Choosing Wisely, and nine nationwide physicians specialty groups are putting together lists of procedures--five per specialty---that doctors themselves say are performed too often, often at potential risk to the patient and at great cost. There is also advice for patients if they're suffering from some of the common ailments, and alternatives.
The lists are aimed at getting patients to talk with doctors about potential risks, and alternatives to 'standard' procedures.
