defensive medicine

American

noun

the practice by a physician of ordering many tests or consultations as a means of self-protection against charges of malpractice in the event of an unfavorable outcome of treatment.

defensive medicine British

noun

the practice by a doctor of ordering extensive, often unnecessary tests in order to minimize liability if accused of negligence

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of defensive medicine

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

defensive medicine

“On the weak side of the spectrum is defensive medicine, avoiding certain situations,” he said.

From Washington Times ● Feb. 8, 2021

Its costs include about $150 billion per year for tort litigation, defensive medicine, and malpractice insurance premiums.

From Salon ● Aug. 8, 2017

To them, the defensive medicine they feel forced to practice to avoid the courtroom is a key driver for soaring health care costs in recent years.

From Slate ● Jul. 25, 2017

The glut of tests--some ordered by doctors who are practicing defensive medicine to protect against malpractice lawsuits--compounds the problem.

From US News ● Sep. 22, 2015

Some dispute the findings on defensive medicine, though, believing that the actual number is much higher.

From New York Times ● Nov. 3, 2014

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023