Empiric treatment refers to a medical approach where healthcare providers prescribe medication or therapy based on their clinical judgment and previous experience, rather than waiting for diagnostic test results to confirm a diagnosis. This can be necessary in cases where immediate intervention is needed to prevent further harm or deterioration of a patient's condition. Empiric treatment is often used in situations where rapid decision-making is crucial, such as in emergency medicine or when dealing with infectious diseases. However, it is important for healthcare providers to monitor the patient's response to empiric treatment and adjust the approach as needed based on diagnostic test results or changes in the patient's condition.