[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 19, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H3624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           DEFENSIVE MEDICINE

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, a reputable health firm 
did a survey that they announced this month. Jackson Healthcare in 
Atlanta, Georgia, surveyed 1,400 physicians on the practice of 
defensive medicine. Their survey found that the vast majority--83 
percent--of physicians between ages 25 and 34 reported being taught to 
practice defensive medicine. The survey defined defensive medication as 
medically unnecessary tests and treatments physicians ordered to avoid 
lawsuits. Only 19 percent of physicians over 65 were taught defensive 
medicine in medical school or during their residencies.
  The conclusion of the Jackson Healthcare survey was that defensive 
medicine is negatively impacting physicians and patients beyond just 
costs. It is limiting patient access and quality, slowing the adoption 
of medical innovations, and discouraging future generations from 
pursuing the practice of medicine.
  Jackson CEO Richard Jackson said, ``The U.S. is the only major 
country in the world where physicians are personally financially liable 
for mistakes.'' He said, ``This is a systemic problem that needs to be 
addressed at State and national levels.'' Republicans proposed to do 
that with medical liability reform, but the new health care law did not 
address it. That is too bad for all of us.

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