What does "defensive medicine" refer to?

Defensive medicine refers to the practice where healthcare providers, such as doctors, take certain actions primarily to reduce the risk of potential lawsuits, rather than to further the health of the patient. This often manifests in the form of ordering unnecessary tests or procedures, providing excessive documentation, or avoiding high-risk patients. The underlying motivation is to shield themselves from liability, creating a layer of caution in their clinical decision-making.

This practice can sometimes lead to increased healthcare costs and can strain doctor-patient relationships, as it may divert focus from patient-centered care. In contrast, practices aimed specifically at improving patient care or reducing healthcare costs are guided by different objectives, and patient education typically focuses on empowering the patient rather than protecting the provider from legal repercussions.