"Defensive medicine" refers to the practice of doctors ordering more tests, procedures, or treatments than necessary, not because it benefits the patient's health, but to protect themselves from potential lawsuits or legal action. Full definition
Quite simply, there is no evidence to suggest that the notion of defensive medicine is causing unnecessary medical expenses. (indianainjuryblog.com)
Doctors practice defensive medicine in order to avoid malpractice claims, which is costly. (alephblog.com)
After analyzing survey responses from members of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons, researchers concluded that «[s] tate - based medical legal environment is not a significant driver of increased defensive medicine associated with neurosurgical spine procedures.» (thepoptort.com)