Many young physicians are being taught to practice defensive medicine, according to a national survey by Jackson Healthcare.
According to the survey, 83 percent of physicians in the 25- to 34-year age bracket report that they were taught in medical school or residency by an attending physician or mentor to order medically unnecessary tests and treatments to avoid lawsuits.
Richard Jackson, chairman and chief executive officer of Atlanta-based Jackson Healthcare, said the root problem driving defensive medicine practices is that physicians’ livelihoods are at stake.
“The U.S. is the only major country in the world where physicians are personally financially liable for mistakes,” said Jackson. “Older physicians are sharing lawsuit stories and advice with younger physicians. These stories are convincing younger physicians to practice defensive medicine.”
With each decade, the survey suggests, defensive medicine is growing in prominence and practice.
The percent of respondents, by age, who reported they were taught defensive medicine in medical school or residency is:
- 83 percent (age 25-34)
- 63 percent (age 35-44)
- 47 percent (age 45-54)
- 32 percent (age 55-64)
- 19 percent (age 65 and older)
The survey also found that defensive medicine is negatively impacting physicians and patients beyond costs. It is limiting patient access and quality, slowing the adoption of medical innovations and discouraging future generations to pursue the practice of medicine.
“This is a systemic problem that needs to be addressed at state and national levels,” said Jackson.