Page 53 - 2022 Risk Basics - Radiology

SVMIC Risk Basics: Radiology

» Findings that suggest a need for immediate or urgent

intervention.

» Findings that are discrepant with previous interpretation of

the same exam and where failure to act may adversely affect

patient health.

» Findings that the interpreting physician reasonably believes

may be seriously adverse to the patient’s health and may not
require immediate attention but, if not acted on, may worsen

over time and possibly result in an adverse patient outcome.

• Implement a system to communicate the results of amended

reports.

• Implement a system to communicate abnormal findings when the

patient has been discharged prior to receiving results and has no
PCP.

• Be aware that you are responsible for the content of the reports you

sign for colleagues.

• Provide clear and understandable pre-procedure instructions.

• Engage in a full and clear discussion with patients pre-sedation
about the nature of their medical condition, the recommended

treatment plan, and the risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected
outcome. Doing so not only discharges your legal and ethical

obligation to provide patients with sufficient information with which
to make an educated election about the course of their medical

care, but may also help create realistic expectations on patients’ part
as to the outcome of treatment. Be careful not to educate above a

patient’s level of comprehension and be certain these discussions
are documented in the record.

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