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Boston ER Doctor Leads 'Choose Wisely' Effort

A Boston emergency room doctor is among the leaders of a group that worked to reverse a decision by the American College of Emergency Physicians not to embrace a national campaign to reduce medical costs.

Dozens of medical specialty groups have embraced the "Choosing Wisely" campaign, which asks doctors to reduce unneeded tests and procedures.

A past president of the group said that the ER college declined to participate because the tests were often ordered by other doctors and because of the concern over legal action.

The Boston Globe reports that on Monday, the ER college released a list of five routinely-performed tests and procedures that patients often do not need.

Instrumental in this reversal was Dr. Jeremiah Schuur, a Brigham and Women's Hospital emergency physician.

This program aired on October 14, 2013. The audio for this program is not available.

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