The Council of Medical Colleges (CMC) previously facilitated the Choosing Wisely campaign in New Zealand, as part of its commitment to improving the quality of care for all consumers.
This information is not being actively updated. For information on the history of the campaign please contact enquiries@cmc.org.nz
Tests, treatments and procedures health professionals should question
This section provides recommendations about tests, treatments, and procedures developed by Australasian and New Zealand Colleges and specialist societies that healthcare professionals and patients and consumers should question. Each recommendation is based on the best available evidence. Some also give resources to assist health professionals.
They are not prescriptive but are intended as guidance to start a conversation about what is appropriate and necessary. As each situation is unique, healthcare professionals and patients should use the recommendations to collaboratively formulate their own appropriate healthcare plan together. In the patient section of the website there are resources that may be helpful for your patients.
Recommendations and resources
The Australia and New Zealand Child Neurology Society (ANZCNS) is a collaborative group of medical professionals working in the field of paediatric neurology or in allied neurosciences who are working to advance the science of paediatric neurology and advocate for improved care for young people with neurological disorders.
The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), including the Faculty of Pain Medicine, is one of Australasia’s largest specialist medical colleges and is responsible for the training, examination and specialist accreditation of anaesthetists and pain medicine specialists and for the standards of clinical practice. ANZCA also plays a significant role in the advancement of anaesthesia in South East Asia and South Pacific island countries.
ANZAN aims to ensure that high standards of clinical neurology are practised in Australia and New Zealand by playing an active role in training, continuing education and encouragement of teaching and research.
The Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society is the leading advocate on all intensive care related matters. ANZICS leads the world in intensive care research through its Clinical Trials Group and patient databases, including the Adult Patient Database, the Paediatric Intensive Care Registry and Critical Care Resources.
ANZSGM is the professional society for geriatricians and other medical practitioners with an interest in medical care of older people. The society acts to represent the needs of its members and the wider community in a bid to constantly review and improve the care of the older people in Australia and New Zealand. Its major functions are around education, policy development and review, and political advocacy.
ANZSPM is a specialty medical society that facilitates professional development and support for its members and promotes the practice of palliative medicine. AChPM is a Chapter of the RACP’s Adult Medicine Division.
The Chapter of Addiction Medicine (AChAM) is a Chapter of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Adult Internal Medicine Division that connects and represents Addiction Medicine Fellows and trainees in Australia and New Zealand. AChAM advances the study of Addiction Medicine in Australia and New Zealand through training, research and collaboration with health professionals and organisations. The AChAM provides training and continuing professional development to ensure excellence in skills, expertise, and ethical standards. AChAM advocate on behalf of our members and act as an authoritative body for consultation in Addiction Medicine to ensure quality care for individuals with addiction disorders.
ACEM is the not-for-profit organisation responsible for training emergency physicians and advancing professional standards in emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand.
The Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine (AChSHM) is a Chapter of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Adult Internal Medicine Division that connects and represents Sexual Health Medicine Fellows and trainees in Australia and New Zealand.
The Australasian Faculty of Occupational & Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) is a Faculty of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) that connects and represents Occupational & Environmental Medicine Fellows and trainees in Australia and New Zealand.
The Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM) is a Faculty of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). AFRM provides training and continuing education for Rehabilitation Medicine Fellows and trainees throughout all stages of their career. AFRM trainees and Fellows are committed to providing high quality rehabilitation care to individuals and communities in Australia and New Zealand.
ASCIA is the professional body for allergy & clinical immunology in Australia & New Zealand. ASCIA is a member of the World Allergy Organisation (WAO) & is affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).
The Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID) Inc. is an independent organisation, founded in Melbourne in 1976 by an eminent group of physicians, pathologists and scientists. Membership encompasses Infectious Diseases Physicians, Clinical Microbiologists, Scientists, Infection Control Practitioners, Public Health Physicians, Sexual Health Physicians, Veterinarians and others eminent in the field of infectious diseases.
The College of Intensive Care Medicine is the body responsible for intensive care medicine specialist training and education in Australia and New Zealand.
Founded in 1998, The Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ) seeks to promote, foster, develop and assist the study and application of information concerning haematology, and to promote improved standards, interest and research in all aspects of haematology.
The Human Genetics Society of Australasia was formed in 1977 to provide a forum for the various disciplines collected under the title of Human Genetics. The HGSA is a full member of the International Federation of Human Genetics Societies and domestically we work closely with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia as well as other groups through the Pathology Associations Council.
IMSANZ represents over 700 Consultant Physicians and trainees in Internal Medicine (also known as General Medicine or General and Acute Care Medicine) within Australia and New Zealand. The Society provides a mechanism for developing the academic and professional profile of general medicine and seeks to advocate for and sponsor the educational training, research and workforce requirements of general internal medicine.
Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ASOHNS) is the representative organisation for Ear Nose and Throat Head and Neck Surgeons in Australia, and dates from 1950. ASOHNS, with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, provides a nationwide Training Program for future Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgeons.
The New Zealand College of Midwives provides and promotes quality standards for New Zealand midwives. Their role is a midwifery voice for midwives and women.
The NZCPHM is responsible for the provision of public health training for doctors who have completed their medical degree and for the professional development of its Fellows. It supports its membership through ongoing engagement with associated health and social service organisations and public health professionals within New Zealand and internationally.
The New Zealand Dermatological Society is a not-for-profit incorporated society of more than 60 dermatologists, medical and surgical specialists in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin. The NZDS is responsible for providing lifelong continuing professional development, medical education, and advocacy on behalf of its members, to improve the health of New Zealanders.
To help promote Choosing Wisely and help students remember these key concepts, we have come up with the acronym “WISE”.
Why? What will this test, treatment or procedure change?
Is there an alternative? Less invasive, less resource intensive?
Seek clarification. Clarify why the doctor ordered this test
Explore/explain. Be the patient’s advocate. Explore concerns, take time to explain why a test, treatment or procedure is/isn’t necessary
The New Zealand Orthopaedic Association (NZOA) and ACC meet quarterly to discuss shared issues. In 2020, NZOA and ACC identified several medical interventions as low value care for orthopaedic patients within Aotearoa New Zealand.
ACC and NZOA wrote five statements to reflect the current research, evidence and clinical best practice. The statements were published in 2022.
The NZRA is the organisation that represents the rheumatologists of New Zealand. Their main function is to promote and maintain the standards of rheumatology practised in New Zealand. This is done by: • Working with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians to oversee the training of rheumatologists. • Providing continuing medical education to rheumatologists in the form of the NZRA Annual Scientific Meeting. • Lobbying to improve the access of rheumatology patients to rheumatology services and treatments.
The Paediatrics & Child Health Division represents 5,000 Fellows and trainees of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). We aim to improve the health and wellbeing of neonates, infants, children and young people through education and training, research, and policy and advocacy.
A group of pharmacists from across the profession worked to identify Choosing Wisely pharmacy recommendations. These have been widely consulted on.
RACS is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and New Zealand. The College is a not-for-profit organisation that represents more than 7000 surgeons and 1300 surgical trainees and International Medical Graduates.
The Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ) aims to advance clinical and scientific knowledge of hypertensive diseases and medical disorders in pregnancy. SOMANZ also fosters collaboration with other regional and international societies interested in hypertension in pregnancy and obstetric medicine. It is a specialty society affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
The Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG) is the premier professional body representing paediatric endocrinology in Australasia. APEG is committed to high standards of clinical care, advocacy, education, stakeholder relationships, and research in paediatric endocrinology. It is a specialty society affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
ASCEPT is the professional and independent society in Australia and New Zealand with expertise in the use and toxicity of medicines and chemicals. Established in 1966, ASCEPT is affiliated with the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) and the International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX).
RANZCR is a non-profit association that delivers skills, knowledge, and insight to promote the science and practice of the medical specialties of clinical radiology (diagnostic and interventional) and radiation oncology.
RANZCR is a non-profit association that delivers skills, knowledge, and insight to promote the science and practice of the medical specialties of clinical radiology (diagnostic and interventional) and radiation oncology.
RCPA is the leading organisation representing pathologists and senior laboratory scientists in Australasia. Its mission is to train and support pathologists and to improve the use of pathology testing to achieve better healthcare.
The New Zealand Microbiology Network consists of over 30 representatives from diagnostic and public health laboratories in New Zealand. The majority of the members are clinical microbiologists.
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) is the only health peak body representing a range of professions (medical specialists, scientists, researchers, academics, nurses, physiotherapists, students and others) across various disciplines within the respiratory/sleep medicine field in Australia and New Zealand. The Paediatric Special Interest Group (SIG) of the society takes a special interest in respiratory medicine as applied to paediatric patients.
Australia and New Zealand Child Neurology Society
The Australia and New Zealand Child Neurology Society (ANZCNS) is a collaborative group of medical professionals working in the field of paediatric neurology or in allied neurosciences who are working to advance the science of paediatric neurology and advocate for improved care for young people with neurological disorders.
Read the recommendations & resources
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), including the Faculty of Pain Medicine, is one of Australasia’s largest specialist medical colleges and is responsible for the training, examination and specialist accreditation of anaesthetists and pain medicine specialists and for the standards of clinical practice. ANZCA also plays a significant role in the advancement of anaesthesia in South East Asia and South Pacific island countries.
Read the recommendations & resources
Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists
ANZAN aims to ensure that high standards of clinical neurology are practised in Australia and New Zealand by playing an active role in training, continuing education and encouragement of teaching and research.
Read the recommendations & resources
Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society
The Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society is the leading advocate on all intensive care related matters. ANZICS leads the world in intensive care research through its Clinical Trials Group and patient databases, including the Adult Patient Database, the Paediatric Intensive Care Registry and Critical Care Resources.
Read the recommendations & resources
Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine
ANZSGM is the professional society for geriatricians and other medical practitioners with an interest in medical care of older people. The society acts to represent the needs of its members and the wider community in a bid to constantly review and improve the care of the older people in Australia and New Zealand. Its major functions are around education, policy development and review, and political advocacy.
Read the recommendations & resources
Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine & the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine
ANZSPM is a specialty medical society that facilitates professional development and support for its members and promotes the practice of palliative medicine. AChPM is a Chapter of the RACP’s Adult Medicine Division.
Read the recommendations & resources
Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine
The Chapter of Addiction Medicine (AChAM) is a Chapter of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Adult Internal Medicine Division that connects and represents Addiction Medicine Fellows and trainees in Australia and New Zealand. AChAM advances the study of Addiction Medicine in Australia and New Zealand through training, research and collaboration with health professionals and organisations. The AChAM provides training and continuing professional development to ensure excellence in skills, expertise, and ethical standards. AChAM advocate on behalf of our members and act as an authoritative body for consultation in Addiction Medicine to ensure quality care for individuals with addiction disorders.
Read the recommendations and resources
Australasian College for Emergency Medicine
ACEM is the not-for-profit organisation responsible for training emergency physicians and advancing professional standards in emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand.
Read the recommendations and resources
Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine
The Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine (AChSHM) is a Chapter of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Adult Internal Medicine Division that connects and represents Sexual Health Medicine Fellows and trainees in Australia and New Zealand.
Read the recommendations and resources
Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
The Australasian Faculty of Occupational & Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) is a Faculty of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) that connects and represents Occupational & Environmental Medicine Fellows and trainees in Australia and New Zealand.
Read the recommendations and resources
Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
The Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM) is a Faculty of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). AFRM provides training and continuing education for Rehabilitation Medicine Fellows and trainees throughout all stages of their career. AFRM trainees and Fellows are committed to providing high quality rehabilitation care to individuals and communities in Australia and New Zealand.
Read the recommendations and resources
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
ASCIA is the professional body for allergy & clinical immunology in Australia & New Zealand. ASCIA is a member of the World Allergy Organisation (WAO) & is affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).
Read the recommendations & resources
Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases
The Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID) Inc. is an independent organisation, founded in Melbourne in 1976 by an eminent group of physicians, pathologists and scientists. Membership encompasses Infectious Diseases Physicians, Clinical Microbiologists, Scientists, Infection Control Practitioners, Public Health Physicians, Sexual Health Physicians, Veterinarians and others eminent in the field of infectious diseases.
Read the recommendations and resources
College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand
The College of Intensive Care Medicine is the body responsible for intensive care medicine specialist training and education in Australia and New Zealand.
Read the recommendations & resources
Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand
Founded in 1998, The Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ) seeks to promote, foster, develop and assist the study and application of information concerning haematology, and to promote improved standards, interest and research in all aspects of haematology.
Read the recommendations & resources
Human Genetics Society of Australasia
The Human Genetics Society of Australasia was formed in 1977 to provide a forum for the various disciplines collected under the title of Human Genetics. The HGSA is a full member of the International Federation of Human Genetics Societies and domestically we work closely with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia as well as other groups through the Pathology Associations Council.
Read the recommendations & resources
Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand
IMSANZ represents over 700 Consultant Physicians and trainees in Internal Medicine (also known as General Medicine or General and Acute Care Medicine) within Australia and New Zealand. The Society provides a mechanism for developing the academic and professional profile of general medicine and seeks to advocate for and sponsor the educational training, research and workforce requirements of general internal medicine.
Read the resources & recommendations
New Zealand and Australian Societies of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ASOHNS) is the representative organisation for Ear Nose and Throat Head and Neck Surgeons in Australia, and dates from 1950. ASOHNS, with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, provides a nationwide Training Program for future Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgeons.
Read the recommendations & resources
New Zealand College of Midwives
The New Zealand College of Midwives provides and promotes quality standards for New Zealand midwives. Their role is a midwifery voice for midwives and women.
Read the recommendations & resources
New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine
The NZCPHM is responsible for the provision of public health training for doctors who have completed their medical degree and for the professional development of its Fellows. It supports its membership through ongoing engagement with associated health and social service organisations and public health professionals within New Zealand and internationally.
Read the recommendations & resources
New Zealand Dermatological Society
The New Zealand Dermatological Society is a not-for-profit incorporated society of more than 60 dermatologists, medical and surgical specialists in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin. The NZDS is responsible for providing lifelong continuing professional development, medical education, and advocacy on behalf of its members, to improve the health of New Zealanders.
Read the recommendations & resources
New Zealand Medical Students’ Association
To help promote Choosing Wisely and help students remember these key concepts, we have come up with the acronym “WISE”.
Why? What will this test, treatment or procedure change?
Is there an alternative? Less invasive, less resource intensive?
Seek clarification. Clarify why the doctor ordered this test
Explore/explain. Be the patient’s advocate. Explore concerns, take time to explain why a test, treatment or procedure is/isn’t necessary
Read the recommendations & resources
New Zealand Orthopaedic Association and ACC
The New Zealand Orthopaedic Association (NZOA) and ACC meet quarterly to discuss shared issues. In 2020, NZOA and ACC identified several medical interventions as low value care for orthopaedic patients within Aotearoa New Zealand.
ACC and NZOA wrote five statements to reflect the current research, evidence and clinical best practice. The statements were published in 2022.
Read the recommendations and resources.
New Zealand Rheumatology Association (NZRA)
The NZRA is the organisation that represents the rheumatologists of New Zealand. Their main function is to promote and maintain the standards of rheumatology practised in New Zealand. This is done by: • Working with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians to oversee the training of rheumatologists. • Providing continuing medical education to rheumatologists in the form of the NZRA Annual Scientific Meeting. • Lobbying to improve the access of rheumatology patients to rheumatology services and treatments.
Read the recommendations & resources
Paediatrics & Child Health
The Paediatrics & Child Health Division represents 5,000 Fellows and trainees of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). We aim to improve the health and wellbeing of neonates, infants, children and young people through education and training, research, and policy and advocacy.
Read the recommendations & resources
Pharmacy
A group of pharmacists from across the profession worked to identify Choosing Wisely pharmacy recommendations. These have been widely consulted on.
Read the recommendations & resources
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
RACS is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and New Zealand. The College is a not-for-profit organisation that represents more than 7000 surgeons and 1300 surgical trainees and International Medical Graduates.
Read the recommendations & resources
Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand
The Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ) aims to advance clinical and scientific knowledge of hypertensive diseases and medical disorders in pregnancy. SOMANZ also fosters collaboration with other regional and international societies interested in hypertension in pregnancy and obstetric medicine. It is a specialty society affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Read the recommendations & resources
The Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group
The Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG) is the premier professional body representing paediatric endocrinology in Australasia. APEG is committed to high standards of clinical care, advocacy, education, stakeholder relationships, and research in paediatric endocrinology. It is a specialty society affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Read the recommendations & resources
The Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists
ASCEPT is the professional and independent society in Australia and New Zealand with expertise in the use and toxicity of medicines and chemicals. Established in 1966, ASCEPT is affiliated with the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) and the International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX).
Read the recommendation & resources
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - Te Kāhui Oranga ō Nuku
Read the recommendations & resources
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists – Faculty of Clinical Radiology
RANZCR is a non-profit association that delivers skills, knowledge, and insight to promote the science and practice of the medical specialties of clinical radiology (diagnostic and interventional) and radiation oncology.
Read the recommendations & resources
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists – Faculty of Radiation Oncology
RANZCR is a non-profit association that delivers skills, knowledge, and insight to promote the science and practice of the medical specialties of clinical radiology (diagnostic and interventional) and radiation oncology.
Read the recommendations & resources
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australia
RCPA is the leading organisation representing pathologists and senior laboratory scientists in Australasia. Its mission is to train and support pathologists and to improve the use of pathology testing to achieve better healthcare.
Read the recommendations & resources
The New Zealand Microbiology Network
The New Zealand Microbiology Network consists of over 30 representatives from diagnostic and public health laboratories in New Zealand. The majority of the members are clinical microbiologists.
Read the recommendations & resources
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (Paediatric)
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) is the only health peak body representing a range of professions (medical specialists, scientists, researchers, academics, nurses, physiotherapists, students and others) across various disciplines within the respiratory/sleep medicine field in Australia and New Zealand. The Paediatric Special Interest Group (SIG) of the society takes a special interest in respiratory medicine as applied to paediatric patients.
Last updated: 19th January, 2023
