Page 20 - Diagnostic Radiology - Interpreting the Risks Part One

SVMIC Diagnostic Radiology: Interpreting the Risks

the impression that the mass was in the “right kidney”. The

surgeon did not read the entire report and performed a right
nephrectomy.

Because the majority of the claims that we see in diagnostic

radiology involve communication issues, documentation issues,
and errors in medical judgment, this course will primarily focus

on these three topics, which are more likely to be confronted
by the individual radiologist. However, other issues that are less

common but still serve as a basis for a claim include: patient
misidentification, contrast agent reaction, and injuries caused

by patients falling off the table/equipment. Systems-related
errors, which include primarily insufficient policies, procedures,

processes, teamwork, and technical/equipment failures, can
also result in malpractice claims.

The first step in risk management is identifying the most
common areas where errors occur, which we have previously

done. The second step is to identify the primary obstacles,
which can prevent mitigation of the risks. The third step, which

is the most important, is to control the things you can control.
Not everything in medicine is within the control of the physician,

but if he or she controls the things that are within his or her
control, this will go a long way toward reducing the physician’s

risk of liability. Communication and documentation, for example,
are factors almost exclusively within the control of the physician.

Exploring Key Challenges

While most medical malpractice claims are viewed

retrospectively with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight and the

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