Page 12 - Diagnostic Radiology - Interpreting the Risks Part One

SVMIC Diagnostic Radiology: Interpreting the Risks

An encouraging statistic revealed by the study was that when

comparing the two five-year intervals, 2006-2010 and 2011-2015
(in real 2015 dollars for radiology claims), the average indemnity

payment decreased by 9 percent. However, comparing
radiology to all the healthcare specialties combined for the

most recent period (2011-2015), the average indemnity payment
(again, in 2015 dollars) was 7 percent higher.

Focusing solely on the most recent five-year period in which the

data was analyzed (2011-2015), the study revealed the following:

• Neoplasms of the breast, unknown if malignant or benign,

was the most prevalent presenting medical condition for
radiology claims.

• Screening for malignant neoplasms was the most expensive
presenting medical condition for radiology claims.

• Five percent of radiology claims noted neoplasms of

the breast, unknown if malignant or benign, as the most
prevalent presenting medical condition, resulting in an

average indemnity payment of $448,929.

• Of all radiology claims, 17 percent cited CT scans of which

13 percent resulted in an average indemnity payment of
$366,297.

• Approximately 21 percent of the total indemnity paid

involved mammography, with an average indemnity
payment of $527,400.

• The most prevalent factor in radiology claims was error

in diagnosis, which was cited as the primary issue in 55
percent of the claims reported.

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