ASRM Joins Choosing Wisely Campaign and Contributes Recommendations on Testing for the Evaluation of Infertility

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is proud to partner with the Choosing Wisely® campaign. Choosing Wisely, an initiative of the ABIM Foundation, aims to spark patient-physician conversations by providing lists of “Things Physicians and Patients Should Question”.  These lists, created by leading medical specialty societies, contain evidence-based recommendations on common, but often unnecessary tests and procedures that physicians and patients should talk about.

ASRM President Richard Reindollar, MD noted, “As the leading multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the advancement of the art, science, and practice of reproductive medicine worldwide, ASRM’s mission includes the education of both the public and its own members about the best practices in the field. Choosing Wisely is a wonderful opportunity to translate the Society’s evidence-based practice guidelines into patient information materials for the public and to encourage a dialog between healthcare providers and patients. It is important for patients to receive the evaluation and treatment that is appropriate for them, no more and no less.”

Samantha Pfeifer, MD, Chair of the Practice Committee added, “To formulate our recommendations, the Committee reviewed evidence from ASRM’s practice documents and sought suggestions from the Board of Directors.  We came to a consensus on the top five most overused tests within specified parameters and received further input from the Board. The individuals who worked on our part of the Choosing Wisely campaign represent every aspect of reproductive medicine and together we developed recommendations I believe will translate to better, more cost-effective care for patients.”

ASRM provided Choosing Wisely with recommendations on common tests for the evaluation of infertility that should be questioned by physicians in consultation with their patients before being ordered. These include:

  • Diagnostic laparoscopy for the evaluation if unexplained infertility;
  • Advanced sperm function testing in the initial evaluation of the infertile couple;
  • Post-coital testing for the evaluation of infertility;
  • Thrombophilia testing on patients undergoing routine infertility evaluation; and
  • Immunological testing as part of routine infertility evaluation.

The recommendations are followed up on the site by short explanations of the evidence and thinking behind them and by references. ASRM’s recommendations and accompanying information will be available at http://www.choosingwisely.org/doctor-patient-lists/american-society-for-reproductive-medicine/.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, founded in 1944, is an organization of close to than 8,000 physicians, researchers, nurses, technicians and other professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive biology.  Affiliated societies include the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, the Society of Reproductive Surgeons and the Society of Reproductive Biologists and Technologists.

For more information, contact Eleanor Nicoll: