Keep asking questions to get the right health care

8 July 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s especially important keep talking to your doctor about how you can look after your own health. This is the new pandemic advice released today by Choosing Wisely Australia, which is urging people to make sure they get the best, evidence-based health care.

Choosing Wisely Australia is part of a global initiative encouraging clinicians, consumers and healthcare stakeholders to have conversations about tests, treatments and procedures where evidence shows they provide no benefit or in some cases cause harm.

“During the pandemic, Choosing Wisely Australia is encouraging patients to seek the right care for new or existing health conditions,” says NPS MedicineWise Client Relations Manager and Choosing Wisely spokesperson Dr Robyn Lindner.

“Some tests, treatments or procedures are urgent and should not be put off, even in a pandemic, while others may be able to wait or may not be necessary at all. Our pandemic guidance suggests you should ask which category your test or treatment falls into.

“Remember, it is still OK to ask your doctor any questions you have about health problems – whether related to COVID-19 or not,” she says.

Choosing Wisely has 5 questions you can use to start a conversation with your doctor or other healthcare provider about what matters to you with your health, available in English and 12 additional languages.

The Choosing Wisely Australia pandemic guidance will be regularly updated, and comes with links to evidence-based information, especially valuable during the pandemic.