SMA News Digest (Summer 2014): V54, I2 | Page 32

Choosing Wisely Canada. A healthy conversation. www.ChoosingWiselyCanada.org / @ChoosingWiselyCA Courtesy of Choosing Wisely Canada and publicly available 2. Each recommendation is within the specialty’s scope of anadian national societies, representing a broad practice spectrum of physicians, participating in the campaign 3. Tests, treatments or procedures included are those that have or are in the process of developing lists of “Five (a) are frequently used, and, (b) may expose patients to Things Physicians and Patients Should Question.” These lists harm or stress. contain tests, treatments or procedures commonly used in 4. Each recommendation is supported by evidence their specialty, but are not supported by evidence, and/or 5. Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations are not incould expose patients to unnecessary harm. tended to be used to establish payment and coverage decisions. Rather, the lists are meant to spur conversaNational specialty societies are free medical tests, proWhen it comes to your health, moreto determine thetreatments tion about what is appropriate and necessary treatcess for creating their always better. In are sometimes ment. As each patient situation is unique, physicians and procedures are notlists, as long as theyfact, done in accordance with the following principles: need medical tests, and patients should use the Choosing Wisely Canada they’re unnecessary. Find out when you materials to determine an appropriate treatment plan treatments and procedures — and when you don’t. 1. The development process is thoroughly documented together. C Talk with your doctor or visit ChoosingWiselyCanada.org @ChooseWiselyCA 30 SMA NEWS DIGEST | SUMMER 2014