%0 Journal Article
%T Malpractice in Radiology: What Should You Worry About?
%A Alessandro Cannavale
%A Mariangela Santoni
%A Paola Mancarella
%A Roberto Passariello
%A Paolo Arbarello
%J Radiology Research and Practice
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/219259
%X Over recent years the professional role of the radiologist has been evolved due to the increasing involvement in the clinical management of the patient. Radiologists have thus been increasingly charged by new duties and liabilities, exposing them to higher risks of legal claims made against them. Malpractice lawsuits in radiology are commonly related to inappropriate medical care or to the poor physician-patient relationship. In the present paper, we provide overview of the basic principles of the medical malpractice law and the main legal issues and causes of legal actions against diagnostic and interventional radiologists. We also address some issues to help radiologists to reduce risks and consequences of malpractice lawsuits. These include (1) following the standard of care to the best of their ability, (2) cautious use of off-label devices, (3) better communication skills among healthcare workers and with the patient, and (4) ensuring being covered by adequate malpractice insurance. Lastly, we described definitions of some medicolegal terms and concepts that are thought to be useful for radiologists to know. 1. Introduction Over the last years radiologists have become substantial part of the clinical-therapeutic management of patients. This implies new liabilities and duties related to interventional procedures which are now added to already existing professional liability from diagnostic exams. Errors in radiology practice are quite common amounting for about 4% of radiologic interpretations rendered by radiologists [1]. Hence, most of the committed errors are of such minor degree or are resolved before a patient¡¯s injury may happen. Nevertheless many errors in clinical practice may harm the patients leading to medical malpractice lawsuits [1]. A lot of the problems of medical malpractice generally are related to two issues: the physician-patient relationship or improper medical care leading bodily harm. Both knowledge of state law and appropriateness criteria may help the physician to prevent complications and thereby any legal issues with patients. In the first part of our review we overviewed the current laws and rules concerning the medical malpractice among different countries. Moreover we reported frequency and burden of causes of malpractice among radiologists and the related legal sequelae. Finally four pieces of advice to reduce the risk to incurring a malpractice complaint are outlined: (1) follow as long as possible the standard of care; (2) be careful in the off-label use of devices (3); improve communication skills with colleagues,
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/rrp/2013/219259/