Page 34 - Diagnostic Radiology - Interpreting the Risks Part One

SVMIC Diagnostic Radiology: Interpreting the Risks

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. But, given the pervasiveness and the extent to which
these hedge words, phrases, and terminology are ingrained in

the vocabulary of most radiologists, it is doubtful there will be

wholesale changes in the near future.

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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