What is defensive medicine primarily aimed at?

Defensive medicine is primarily aimed at avoiding malpractice risk through extra tests, procedures, or consultations. Physicians may feel compelled to order additional diagnostic tests or referrals, even when they may not be strictly necessary, to protect themselves from potential legal repercussions. This practice is a response to the fear of lawsuits and aims to create a paper trail in the event that a clinical decision is questioned in court.

Medical practitioners often justify these additional steps as a way of ensuring comprehensive care, albeit this motivation is fundamentally intertwined with legal concerns. It reflects the reality of a medical environment where fear of litigation can significantly influence clinical decision-making.

While reducing healthcare costs, improving patient satisfaction, and enhancing health outcomes are indeed important aspects of healthcare delivery, defensive medicine typically prioritizes risk management over these goals. Thus, the emphasis on avoiding malpractice risk underpins the nature of defensive practices in the medical field.