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Defensive Medicine Definition
- Defensive medicine is driven by doctors' desire to reduce lawsuit risk, not always clinical judgment.
- This can lead to unnecessary tests or procedures, generating waste without benefiting patients.
Defensive Medicine vs. Malpractice System
- The malpractice system aims to deter negligence, not necessarily encourage extra tests.
- Defensive medicine goes beyond deterrence, leading to wasteful or harmful practices.
Pennsylvania Survey
- A 2003 survey in Pennsylvania, amidst a malpractice insurance crisis, revealed that 93% of physicians practiced defensive medicine.
- 42% engaged in avoidance behaviors, like refusing high-risk patients, due to liability concerns.