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Although the prevalence of “defensive medicine” — unnecessary tests, referrals, treatments, or avoidance of some patients altogether out of fear of malpractice litigation— has been the subject of debate, a new study reports hundreds of physicians in Pennsylvania say they practice defensive medicine regularly.

Practicing defensive medicine not uncommon

Although the prevalence of defensive medicine unnecessary tests, referrals, treatments, or avoidance of some patients altogether out of fear of malpractice litigation has been the subject of debate, a new study reports hundreds of physicians in Pennsylvania say they practice defensive medicine regularly.