defensive medicine


noun
  1. 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.

Origin of defensive medicine

1
First recorded in 1965–70

Words Nearby defensive medicine

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British Dictionary definitions for defensive medicine

defensive medicine

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

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