In my last post, I introduced the Choosing Wisely™ campaign, an effort by clinicians to avoid overuse or inappropriate use of tests and therapies. Obviously, a successful campaign would save lots of money. But the campaign is motivated by a higher goal that reflects the mission of Healthy Survivorship.
As explained by Harvard oncologist Dr. Lowell Schnipper in an interview with NCI Cancer Bulletin, we "are participating in this campaign because we believe that the best care is the right amount of care.... if evidence-based care is the norm, the lowest possible expense will follow."
This campaign is aimed at both the clinicians who order tests and therapies and the patients who undergo -- and sometimes ask for -- tests and therapies. The campaign encourages fruitful dialogue between clinicians and patients to determine which specific tests are appropriate for each specific patient in his or her specific circumstances.
Next: Who decides what tests and therapies are in or out for cancer patients? Which tests made the cut to the final five?
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