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SVMIC Risk Basics: Radiology

include apparent, possible, borderline, doubtful, suspected,

indeterminate, no definite, no gross, evidence of, no significant,
probable, vague, nonspecific, and equivocal.

• Modifiers without pre-definition — these words are typically

“quantitative” adjectives such as small, moderate, large, significant,
prominent, some, somewhat, mild, and severe. These words and
phrases should be used only if there are clear definitions in the

literature regarding their meaning (the Kellgren-Lawrence grading

system for osteoarthritis of the knee, for example).

• Double negatives, which should be self-explanatory.

• Generalizations – words and phrases that convey no useful meaning
such as benign or malignant neoplastic process.

In an effort to protect themselves, radiologists often write as if they were
attorneys (or, at least as they believe an attorney would advise them to

write). Instead, they should be writing like police detectives. In the 1960s

television show, Dragnet, the main protagonist, Detective Sgt. Joe Friday,
was famous for saying, “Just the facts, Ma’am,” when he would interview a
witness. That is good advice when preparing a radiology report.

☐ Effective Communication
Although this element was not listed first, it should be considered

the prime directive of the radiologist when preparing the radiology
report. As discussed earlier, lack of adequate communication is the

second-most common reason for claims in radiology. According to an
American College of Radiology survey, 25 percent of the respondents

acknowledged having been involved in at least one lawsuit involving
failure of communication. Let’s consider the following example.

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