The Impact of Defensive Medicine: Key Insights in Our Infographic

Defensive medicine is notoriously hard to quantify, with estimates of its cost to the U.S. healthcare system ranging between $46 billion and $850 billion. Yet, it is a pervasive part of the medical system. 

To complement the Healthcare Matters interview series, The State of Defensive Medicine, featuring Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP, Chairman and CEO of The Doctors Company, we have created an infographic that offers some interesting insight into defensive medicine and how it permeates the healthcare system.

What Is Defensive Medicine?

Dr. Anderson’s definition of defensive medicine as “…a test, procedure or therapy that the physician orders primarily to protect himself or herself from liability rather than because of its diagnostic or therapeutic utility” provides a starting point for understanding defensive medicine, but it is not enough to define the concept. 

To see the effect of defensive medicine on the healthcare system, we must look at what physicians say about defensive medicine, whether or not they do it, and, if so, why.

Physician Perspectives on Defensive Medicine

In surveys, the vast majority of physicians (73 percent) say they practice defensive medicine. Specialists have even higher rates, at 93 percent. Perhaps most disturbing, in one study, 45 percent of medical students and residents said they learned to practice defensive medicine in medical school or residency programs.

Malpractice Concerns and Other Motivations

Physicians have many reasons to worry about patient care and whether a bad outcome could lead to a lawsuit in today’s ever-changing healthcare system. In a survey of general practitioners, the top reason for practicing defensive medicine was malpractice concerns, which 76% of respondents cited. Other responses were to meet clinical outcomes (52%) and because the physicians felt that they had too little time to spend with patients (40%).

The Impact of Defensive Medicine on Specialists

Defensive medicine greatly impacts all physicians, but it has an especially high impact on specialists, such as surgeons and OBGYNs. These specialists perform high-risk procedures and may be more likely to face lawsuits. In one survey of neurosurgeons, for example, more than 69 percent said that they viewed every patient as a potential lawsuit. 

This has many potential consequences, like ordering additional tests (67%), imaging studies (72%), medications (40%), and referrals (66%), which is wasteful and time-consuming. In this climate, many neurosurgeons (45%) have decided to stop doing high-risk procedures entirely.

Defensive medicine is a difficult problem to solve, and the first step is understanding its scope and depth. To learn more about defensive medicine and its impact on the healthcare system, watch our Healthcare Matters series, The State of Defensive Medicine.

Get the Right Medical Malpractice Insurance with Cunningham Group

Many physicians feel pressure to practice defensive medicine due to concerns about lawsuits and liability. Medical malpractice insurance is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your practice, and your patients. 
Get a quote for medical malpractice insurance today to ensure you have the coverage you need to protect your career.