Finally, in an interview of 29 physicians and 17 administrators about their use of the more expensive low-osmolar contrast agent and the cheaper high-osmolar agent, investigators found that clinical and cost concerns were more important than were the legal factors (J. Health Polit. Policy Law 1996;21:243-66).
They concluded that "clinical factors dominate the decision-making process, making it unlikely that a policy focus on reducing incentives for defensive medicine will substantially reduce health care costs."
Dr. Tan is an emeritus professor of medicine at the University of Hawaii. This article is meant to be educational and does not constitute medical, ethical or legal advice. It is adapted from the author’s book, "Medical Malpractice: Understanding the Law, Managing the Risk" (2006). For additional information, readers may contact the author at siang@hawaii.edu.