Page 14 - 2022 Risk Basics - Radiology

SVMIC Risk Basics: Radiology

Because the majority of the claims that we see in diagnostic radiology

involve communication issues, documentation issues, and errors in
medical judgment, this course will primarily focus on these three topics,

which are more likely to be confronted by the individual radiologist.

However, other issues that are less common but still serve as a basis for
a claim include: patient misidentification, contrast agent reaction, and

injuries caused by patients falling off the table/equipment. Systems-
related errors, which include primarily insufficient policies, procedures,

processes, teamwork, and technical/equipment failures, can also result in
malpractice claims.

The first step in risk management is identifying the most common areas
where errors occur, which we have previously done. The second step

is to identify the primary obstacles, which can prevent mitigation of the
risks. The third step, which is the most important, is to control the things

you can control. Not everything in medicine is within the control of the
physician, but if he or she controls the things that are within his or her

control, this will go a long way toward reducing the physician’s risk of
liability. Communication and documentation, for example, are factors

almost exclusively within the control of the physician.

Exploring Key Challenges

While most medical malpractice claims are viewed retrospectively with
the benefit of 20/20 hindsight and the luxury of time, radiology claims

are particularly susceptible to this type of unfair critical review. And,
because of improved imaging technology and perceived advancements

in electronic communication, radiologists are increasingly being held to a
higher standard.

Page 14