As the largest medical-specialty organization in the US, the American College of Physicians (ACP) provides resources to internists, internal medicine subspecialists, medical students, residents, and fellows. ACP’s educational content — for both members and nonmembers — is highly regarded for encouraging better stewardship of health care dollars.

In 2010, ACP launched the High Value Care initiative and partnered with the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine (AAIM) to train residents and fellows to weigh the benefits of a given medical intervention against its cost and risks, with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Since 2012, ACP has actively participated in the Choosing Wisely campaign, identifying specific procedures that are commonly overused or inappropriately applied and urging physicians to employ high-value, evidence-based alternatives instead.

On January 1, 2014, ACP released an online series of interactive cases that highlight how to balance the clinical benefits, potential risks, and costs of medical interventions. Each case runs 30 to 60 minutes and covers real-world topics, including how to avoid unnecessary testing, use emergency and hospital care judiciously, improve outcomes with health promotion and disease prevention, and prescribe medications safely and cost-effectively.

Learn more about the new training available for all practicing physicians and how it is being offered at one pilot site. Hear from:

• Steven R. Peskin, MD, FACP, senior medical director / director of clinical innovation, Horizon Healthcare Innovations / Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
• Cynthia Smith, MD, FACP, senior physician educator, American College of Physicians

A recording of the webinar and the presentation slides are available below.