Defensive medicine among high-risk specialist physicians in a volatile malpractice environment.

David M. Studdert; Michelle M. Mello; William M. Sage; Catherine M. DesRoches; Jordon Peugh; Kinga Zapert; Troyen A. Brennan

Study

Defensive medicine among high-risk specialist physicians in a volatile malpractice environment.

June 8, 2005

Studdert DM, Mello MM, Sage WM, et al. JAMA. 2005;293(21):2609-17.

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The investigators surveyed physicians in high-liability specialties to determine how often they alter their clinical behavior due to threat of litigation. Ninety-three percent of physicians surveyed indicated that they practice "defensive medicine."

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Defensive medicine among high-risk specialist physicians in a volatile malpractice environment.

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