Defensive medicine: A bane to healthcare

Sekhar, Sonal M; Vyas, Navya

doi:10.4103/2141-9248.113688

Cited by 90 publications

(55 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…The US also has a robust tort system that likely increases acute care admissions at the end of life associated with physicians' concerns to protect against medical malpractice if they fail to make all medical resources available. This and overuse of diagnostics have led to significant ongoing yet unresolved tort reform debates (Sekhar and Vyas, 2013).…”

Section: Patient Centred Carementioning

confidence: 99%

US healthcare international comparisons: what are we comparing

Jordan

Boucher

2019

IJHP

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International comparisons between the US quasi-market and other nations' nationalised healthcare or insurance models have, and continue to generate significant debate. Discussions inevitably cite the World Health Organization's or Commonwealth Fund's work, but what these comparisons actually examine is somewhat unclear when examining the complexity of what is being compared. Often international healthcare comparisons are presented as one based on the quality of healthcare in subject national systems. This paper discusses some of the complexities associated with international comparisons, provides some additional perspectives for metrics often cited in international comparisons, and suggests we may be served better by adjusting the premises of continued discourse in the matter. If the purpose of international comparisons is to evaluate the world laboratory of healthcare policy and processes, which it should, this paper suggests the discussion needs redirected in both focus and content.Keywords: international healthcare comparisons; US healthcare; healthcare model comparisons; quasi-market versus nationalised healthcare insurance or socialised healthcare; single payer versus quasi-market healthcare; international healthcare quality comparisons.

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Section: Patient Centred Carementioning

confidence: 99%

US healthcare international comparisons: what are we comparing

Jordan

Boucher

2019

IJHP

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“…In USA, defensive medicine is responsible for 5% to 9% increase in healthcare costs, in Italy for 10.5% of total healthcare spending in the public sector and 14% in the private sector, while in Romania, 91% of physicians recommend more tests than necessary, 41% prescribe more drugs than guidelines recommend, and 74% of patients presenting to general practitioners (family doctors) receive an unnecessary indication for specialty consultation (patients now use internet to search for diagnoses and treatments). The standard of care is evolving and growing alongside the technological changes and some physicians might feel vulnerable if they chose not to approach the diagnosing process aggressively [10,19,20,21].…”

Section: Defensive Medicine In Various Countriesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Defensive Medicine: Myths and Realities

Tinică

Tomaziu-Todosia

et al. 2017

LUMEN Proceedings

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The phenomenon of defensive medicine existed for decades in the United States but in Romania emerged lately following malpractice litigation and mass media aggression. Defensive medicine develops when doctors prescribe tests or procedures and avoid to treat high-risk patients or to perform certain high-risk procedures in order to reduce the risk of medical liability. This essay discusses the basis and principles of defensive medicine, analyses its causes and effects and debates the major problems affectingRomanian healthcare system, notably cross-border medical assistance. Finally, the authors examine alternatives to prevent defensive medicine practices with emphasis on cardiovascular surgery. Among physicians, some degree of defensive medicine will always exist, as long as malpractice risks shadow the doctors' every footstep.

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“…While some predict a consequent rise in frivolous litigation, others posit the argument that the health sector in India needs to be regulated more stringently[5] and that the fear of large compensation awards will ensure that doctors are not negligent. [6] In light of the recent judgments offering large compensation amounts,[478] it is pertinent to examine if this signals the beginning of increasing medical negligence litigation and the practice of defensive medicine,[9] and if there is a consequent need to modify the manner in which medical negligence is currently addressed in India.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Progress in Medicine: Compensation and medical negligence in India: Does the system need a quick fix or an overhaul?

Chandra

Math

2016

Ann Indian Acad Neurol

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In a recent judgment on medical negligence, the Supreme Court awarded compensation amounting to Rs. 11 crore to a victim, which was to be paid by the doctors and the private hospital deemed responsible for the wrongful death of a patient. This landmark decision was by far the largest compensation award in the history of Indian medical negligence litigation. Hence, the process of calculating compensation for medical negligence has received great attention and debate, largely due to the impact that it is going to have on the practice of medicine within the country, in the near future. However, the method of calculation of compensation is unpredictable as it varies hugely across different cases, courts and tribunals resulting, in a loss of faith in the system, protracted litigation, and frequent appeals. With over 80% of India's healthcare being provided by the private sector, predictability and uniformity in the regulation of compensation in medical negligence would benefit the victims and the doctors concerned. A basic knowledge of how medical negligence compensation is calculated and adjudicated in the judicial courts of India will aid a doctor in planning his/her professional indemnity insurance, as well as in practicing his/her profession without undue worry about facing litigation for alleged medical negligence. This article addresses the merits and demerits of large compensation awards, and also discusses whether the system is broken, needs a quick fix, or a massive overhaul.

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Defensive medicine: A bane to healthcare

Cited by 90 publications

References 5 publications

US healthcare international comparisons: what are we comparing

US healthcare international comparisons: what are we comparing

Defensive Medicine: Myths and Realities

Progress in Medicine: Compensation and medical negligence in India: Does the system need a quick fix or an overhaul?

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