Panel Urges Fewer Medical Tests and Procedures

The American Board of Internal Medicine, in partnership with nine medical specialty groups, is urging physicians to perform 45 common tests and procedures less frequently, the New York Times reports.

The Times notes that unnecessary treatment accounts for an estimated one third of medical spending in the U.S.

The initiative, called Choosing Wisely, is aimed at both physicians and patients. Among the tests and treatments being cited:

• Routine EKGs during physicals

• MRIs for back pain

• Antibiotics for mild sinusitis

• Routine stress cardiac imaging in asymptomatic patients

• Imaging scans for simple headaches