The Minnesota Health Action Group has been selected by Consumer Reports to be a Communications Partner for the Choosing Wisely Campaign, joining 16 other organizations. Choosing Wisely Communications Partners provide resources and disseminate information to help patients and providers engage in conversations about the overuse of certain tests and procedures.

We first introduced members of The Action Group to the Choosing Wisely campaign in our May, 2012 issue of FYI. Choosing Wisely is an initiative of the ABIM Foundation (American Board of Internal Medicine) designed to help physicians, patients and other health care stakeholders think and talk about the overuse of health care resources in the United States. Nine specialty societies, representing 375,000 physicians, have each identified five tests and procedures that might warrant additional conversations between doctors and patients about the need – or lack thereof – for these frequently ordered tests or treatments.  An additional seven societies will release their lists in February 2013.

Check out the new co-branded webpage that The Action Group now has with “Consumer Reports.” This portal provides access to downloadable patient-oriented communication material produced by Consumer Reports on such topics as Allergy Tests, Imaging for Low Back Pain and Painkillers that can be used as a resource for consumers to initiate conversations with their physicians. Some communication pieces are also available in Easy-to-Read and Spanish versions, as well.