noun General Slang 18+

CYA medicine

see-why-AY MED-i-sin · noun · informal

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Definitions

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From the acronym CYA ('cover your a**'); US medical slang.

Variants cover your ass medicine

What is 'CYA medicine'?

It is defensive practice in which tests, referrals, or documentation are driven mainly by fear of being sued rather than by patient benefit.

What does CYA stand for?

'Cover Your A**' — meaning the action is taken to protect the clinician from blame or litigation.

Is CYA medicine a bad thing?

It is used critically. Defensive testing can expose patients to unnecessary procedures, radiation, and cost while adding little clinical value.