Stephen R. Baker MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael McGuire BS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Kriti Gwal BS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Malpractice cases in Radiology encompass lack of communication, untoward procedural complications, and errors in diagnoses. Although breast diseases comprise most claims, malpractice can involve every body system. This report provides information on gastrointestinal cases from a large data set derived from credentialing information for radiologists associated with One-Call Medical, a specialty PPO network.

Over a three year period, the credentials of 3,937 radiologists from 40 states were examined for malpractice history. Every filing resulting in no adverse action, settlement, or jury verdict was listed in information provided by the National Practitioner’s Databank, including the primary allegation for each claim. From this information, the percentage of gastrointestinal cases overall and for each the particularities of the claim were obtained.

Six percent of all malpractice claims were related to gastrointestinal imaging. Failure to diagnose was the issue in 124 of all 197 cases (63%). The two most common pathologic conditions were cancer (23%), of which colon cancer comprised the majority, and perforated viscus (10%). For cases resulting in decisions against the radiologist, the average colon carcinoma award was $289,156, whereas the average perforated viscus award was $858,333.

Although failure to diagnose gastrointestinal conditions are uncommon causes of suits against radiologists, perforated viscus awards are much higher than for other gastrointestinal conditions. Because imaging may be the only means to make this diagnosis, the responsibility to detect perforation and the consequences of failure to recognize it for the radiologist are particularly high.

Malpractice issues in radiology are an enduring concern. The specifics of their frequency and particular causes in gastrointestinal diseases needs to be brought to general attention.

Baker, S, McGuire, M, Gwal, K, Malpractice Claims against Radiologists in Gastointestinal Imaging.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5007741.html