Australian physicians changing their manner of practice due to fear of medical malpractice lawsuits

"Respondents reported changes in practice behaviour due to medicolegal concerns, with 43% of doctors stating that they referred patients more than usual, 55% stating that they ordered tests more than usual, and 11% stating that they prescribed medications more than usual."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21077813

Med J Aust. 2010 Nov 15;193(10):579-83.
Perceived practice change in Australian doctors as a result of medicolegal concerns.
Nash LM, Walton MM, Daly MG, Kelly PJ, Walter G, van Ekert EH, Willcock SM, Tennant CC.