What is an example of defensive medicine?

Ordering additional tests to cover all bases is a prime example of defensive medicine. This practice arises from a medical professional's desire to protect themselves from potential legal liability or malpractice claims. By conducting extra tests, the healthcare provider aims to ensure that they have gathered comprehensive information about a patient's condition, which can help prevent missed diagnoses or oversights that might lead to negative outcomes.

In many cases, physicians may feel pressured to order these additional tests, even if they are not necessarily required for a clear diagnosis or treatment plan. This behavior illustrates a cautious approach to medical practice, where the priority is to avoid litigation rather than focus solely on the patient's immediate health needs. This is particularly relevant in a healthcare environment where medical professionals are increasingly aware of the legal implications of their decisions and the potential for malpractice lawsuits.

The other options reflect different attitudes and approaches to patient care but do not capture the essence of defensive medicine as effectively. For instance, choosing not to treat a patient may be more about assessing risk or severity rather than outright defensive measures. Only treating patients with severe symptoms could reflect a more straightforward clinical judgment rather than an avoidance tactic, while emphasizing patient education pertains to enhancing understanding and compliance, rather than a protective measure against legal risk.