Is Too Much Healthcare a Good Thing?

Are we overdosing on healthcare?

The Choosing Wisely campaign sponsored by Consumer Reports, in conjunction with the American Board of Internal Medicine, seeks to improve doctor–patient relationships and promote patient-centered care by informing patients and physicians about overutilization of medical resources.

The Choosing Wisely campaign addresses the problem of patients receiving unnecessary healthcare, reasoning that this results in poor outcomes for the patient and could create significant waste in the United States healthcare system.

The goal of this round table discussion is to stimulate public conversation about what people can do to change the culture of excess in health care which leads to too many unnecessary and expensive tests, medications, and procedures. You will also learn the 5 questions to ask your doctor before you get any test, treatment, or procedure.

I'm a Patient Champion Activist for the Consumer Reports Choosing Wisely program and an enthusiastic advocate for patient empowerment. I am holding a round table discussion on August 26 at the Cheviot branch of the Cincinnati Public Library at 12:00 to discuss how you, the consumer of healthcare, can have a dialogue with your healthcare providers to end overtreatment and medical harm in our healthcare system.

A website describing the Choosing Wisely program can be found at http://consumerhealthchoices.org/campaigns/choosing-wisely/