New Georgia Group Seeks to Prevent ‘Defensive Medicine’

A new Georgia advocacy group is launching to prevent what it calls defensive medicine.

Organizers for Patients for Fair Compensation said Tuesday it aims to educate citizens and policymakers about the problems that arise when doctors order more medical tests, procedures and appointments than necessary to keep from being sued.

Group chairman Richard L. Jackson said the practice is “driving up the cost of healthcare in America.”

The group will support legislation that it hopes will prevent the problem. It is backing an effort to replace the current medical liability system with a new model they say is more streamlined and efficient.