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Assuming an EHR automatically decreases medical record errors is risky. While some medical record errors may diminish, others that are unique to EHR use may arise. It is important to identify these potential risks and put systems in place to catch and correct errors before they cause patient injuries.

The Radiologist’s Duty

The duty of the radiologist is not limited to detecting and reporting pertinent findings following a radiologic study. The radiologist’s duty extends to ensuring that the report was received, understood and acted upon, as well as ensuring that active communication and information exchange between the healthcare providers occurs. Of particular concern are abnormal or critical findings in radiology reports.

Consider these risk management recommendations for what to do and what not to do when you discover a missed finding.

A radiologist is an inevitable defendant in a medical malpractice lawsuit involving a radiology “miss,” but any physician who fails to communicate or act on a critical radiological finding is also a potential defendant.

Many radiology claims involve fragmented care and lack of reliable information with which to support clinical decisions, which leads to patient injury. Quality improvement programs (QIP) can increase patient safety, decrease liability risk and increase practice revenue.¹