Page 52 - 2022 Risk Basics - Radiology

SVMIC Risk Basics: Radiology

• Look at current studies or films before comparing with past reports

to avoid being led by the prior interpretation. If prior studies are not
available for comparison, be sure to document your effort to obtain

them.

• Document all nonroutine communications including the time and
method of communication and, specifically, the name of the person
to whom the communication was delivered. Such documentation

is best placed in the radiology report or the patient’s medical

record but may be entered in a department log and/or personally
maintained record.

• Proofread reports to minimize typographical errors, deleted words,
and confusing or conflicting statements. Inaccuracies can look

sloppy to a jury and communicate indifference and a lack of care
or concern for the patient. It may be beneficial to highlight or bold

directional terms, such as “left or right” and “anterior or posterior”,
in order to assist with proofreading and provide clarity and focus for

ordering providers. It is important for these terms to be accurately
carried over from the body of the report to the impression.

• Under no circumstances alter a report or record. It will appear self-
serving and may all but destroy your chances of prevailing in a

medical malpractice lawsuit. If you need to make a correction in the
record, do so with a properly dated and timestamped addendum.

If contemplating making such correction after an adverse event,
contact a claims attorney to discuss the best course to take.

• Be aware of the practice parameters developed by the American
College of Radiology for direct communication of test results, and

have a process in place to ensure timely relay of the following:

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