A doctor who practices medicine, either through diagnosis or treatment, not to help the patient, but rather to prevent legal action if a problem occurs, is said to be practicing defensive medicine.
Doctors who practice in high-risk specialties are most apt to practice defensive medicine. In 2005, one survey showed as many as 93% were ordering tests, prescribing drugs, or performing procedures in more of an effort to protect themselves than the patients those measures were taken for.
"Defensive Medicine" is often the answer to Why does my doctor send me for so many tests?" Because doctors will not only cover their legal backsides using defensive medicine, but also make more money, too, there doesn't seem to be any way to slow down the rate of overtesting anytime soon.
