Stephen R. Baker MD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, One Call Medical, Inc

Uzair Sarmast, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jeremy Whang MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Basil Hubbi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kim Stephanie Clarkin MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thillai Sekar, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Malpractice claims against radiologists regarding breast disease were analyzed to determine the imaging modality involved and the age of the patient. Also compiled was the outcome of each claim.

An analysis of 4,780 claims against 8,401 radiologists was conducted, all of whom were providers for One Call Medical, Inc. (OCM), a PPO that offers diagnostic services for the workers’ compensation, group health, and auto insurance industries. For its credentialing process, OCM accumulated data on claims made against its radiologists throughout their careers; these data was either disclosed by the radiologists or discovered by OCM on the National Practitioner Database.

Breast disease accounted for 23% of claims for which the patient’s affected organ system was known (n = 3735). Of breast claims for which the radiologist’s alleged malpractice was specified (n = 812), “failure to diagnose” was most common, at 89%. Mammography was cited in 81% of these claims (n = 514). Primary neoplasm accounted for 94% of all claims for which the patient’s disease was known (n = 781). Of breast claims for which the patient’s age was listed (n = 238), 13% of patients were under 40 years of age, 37% were between 41 – 50, 32% were between 51 – 60, 13% were between 61 – 70 years, and 3% were older than 70. Of breast claims for which the patient’s age was known (n = 238), 220 resulted in payment to the claimant; 12% went to patients under 40 years; 38% went to patients between 41 – 50 years; 33% to patients between 51 – 60 years; 14% to patients of age 61 – 70 years; and 4% to patients 71 and above.

Breast claims primarily concern mammography. Patients aged 41 – 50 years filed more claims (37%) than any other group. They also received a greater number of payments (38%) than those who were younger or older.

Malpractice claims regarding the breast are greatest in number among patients in their 5th decade of life.

Baker, S, Sarmast, U, Whang, J, Hubbi, B, Clarkin, K, Sekar, T, Details of Malpractice Claims regarding the Breast.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11007969.html