Page 9 - Diagnostic Radiology - Interpreting the Risks Part One

SVMIC Diagnostic Radiology: Interpreting the Risks

Part One

Introduction

The practice of diagnostic radiology involves constant

communication with patients and referring physicians. The
ability to interpret radiologic examinations — which is both an

art and a science — is acquired over years of clinical training
and practice. The distillation of this effort is contained in every

report. A radiology report is the final work product, the essence
of radiologists’ abilities, which patients and referring physicians

(as well as juries) use to judge their competence. It serves as
both the ultimate form of communication and documentation.

Thus, it is of the utmost importance that radiology reports
be crafted not only to reflect the radiologist’s expertise and

capability, but also to eliminate any factors that might result
in unintended harm. The gravest consequence of a faulty

report is harm to the patient. Awareness of the possible flaws
of a radiology report will help minimize this risk. A secondary

consequence is that a deficient report may result in legal action
against the radiologist, so developing an understanding of the

litigious potential of the language used in the report is crucial.

Interventional radiology originated as a subspecialty of

diagnostic radiology but is now a therapeutic and diagnostic

specialty that comprises a wide range of minimally-invasive,
image-guided therapeutic procedures, as well as invasive
diagnostic imaging. Accordingly, this specialty presents its own

unique and varied challenges in the area of risk management

in addition to those encountered by diagnostic radiologists.

Page 9