ED docs order tests out of fear

Forty-four percent of almost 1,800 emergency physicians responding to a poll by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) report that the biggest challenge to cutting costs in the emergency department is the fear of lawsuits. Fifty-three percent said they ordered more test than may be necessary in an effort to avoid lawsuits by patients. The ACEP advocates for medical liability reform to take the pressure off ED physicians, who may be exposing patients more risks through testing than necessary.