Page 17 - 2022 Risk Basics - Radiology

SVMIC Risk Basics: Radiology

patients as well. This commitment to timely notification is emphasized

by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in its “Practice Guidelines
for Communication of Diagnostic Imaging Findings”, which is often

invoked by the plaintiffs’ lawyers as they make the case that a particular
defendant radiologist failed to meet his or her obligation. As will be

discussed in greater detail later in this section, the ACR Guidelines do
not establish the standard of care; however, they are frequently used by

plaintiffs’ attorneys to cross-examine radiologists in malpractice cases
about their care.

The ACR published Parameters
7
for communicating the diagnostic
imaging finding recommend that

radiologists:

• Prepare a formal, written
report for all studies that includes

review of previous reports and
comparison of previous images when possible.

• Transmit the report to the referring physician or healthcare provider,
who provides clinical follow-up care.

The ACR explains that routine reporting can be handled through the

usual channels established by the practice or facility. However, the
communication of a diagnostic imaging report should be expedited in

emergent or other nonroutine clinical situations. There should be efforts
made to ensure timely receipt of findings when: there is evidence of

something that would require an immediate or urgent intervention (e.g.
pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, or a significantly misplaced line or

tube); a final interpretation differs from the preliminary report (this can
be a particular issue with images interpreted by emergency department

7 https://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Practice-Parameters/CommunicationDiag.pdf

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