defensive medicine

Of late, we’ve seen some astronomical medical malpractice verdicts. In 2023, 57 medical malpractice verdicts reached $10 million or more, the worst year on record. More than half topped $25 million. In August 2023, a jury awarded $183 million to a family in a brain–damaged baby case – the highest med mal verdict in Philadelphia history. 2024 isn’t auguring better news. Is this a blip or a trend?
A new study's data seems to support the concept of "defensive medicine," where if doctors spend more by ordering more lab tests and imaging studies they'll reduce their risk of subsequent malpractice suits.