Communication Errors in Radiology: A Liability Cost Analysis
Abstract
Purpose We evaluated the economic effect on radiologists involved in litigation of failures in communication of results.Method We examined claims data from the Physicians Insurers Association of America 2002 report on breast cancer and identified malpractice cases in which miscommunication, rather than misdiagnosis, was the primary cause for litigation.Results The average indemnity payment for primary errors in communication by radiologists was between $228,000 and $236,000, or twice as high as when appropriate communication occurred. As a percentage of total indemnity payments to plaintiffs, such awards were 15 times higher than when communication was effective.Conclusions Notwithstanding diagnostic accuracy, errors attributable to ineffective communication of results account for high indemnity awards. These errors can be easily resolved in clinical practice.
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Emerging data suggest a high prevalence of communication breakdowns among physicians, patients, and important members of the health care team who assist with the diagnostic process.
“Communication breakdowns are an increasingly recognized preventable factor in medical mishaps, and emerging data suggest a high prevalence of communication breakdowns among physicians, patients, and important members of the health care team who assist with the diagnostic process.21,25–32”
From Reducing Diagnostic Errors through Effective Communication: Harnessing the Power of Information Technology (2008) · cites this paper as [27]
Communication breakdowns are an increasingly recognized preventable factor in medical mishaps.
“Communication breakdowns are an increasingly recognized preventable factor in medical mishaps, and emerging data suggest a high prevalence of communication breakdowns among physicians, patients, and important members of the health care team who assist with the diagnostic process.21,25–32”
From Reducing Diagnostic Errors through Effective Communication: Harnessing the Power of Information Technology (2008) · cites this paper as [27]
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- Authors
- Brenner, R. J., & Bartholomew, L.
- Affiliations
- Saint John's Health Center (US)
- Corresponding author
- Brenner, R. James
- Venue
- Journal of the American College of Radiology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2005-05
- Volume
- 2
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 428-431
- ISSN
- 1546-1440 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2155453174
- Cited by
- 46
- References
- 4
- Citations by year
- 2025: 3 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 2 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 2 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 4.53
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of the American College of Radiology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Pharmacy › Medical Malpractice and Liability Issues
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging › Radiology practices and education
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Emergency Medical Services › Patient Safety and Medication Errors
- Keywords
- communication errors, medical liability, breast cancer
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Aged, Attitude of Health Personnel, Biopsy, Needle, Breast Neoplasms, Communication, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Immunohistochemistry, Insurance, Liability, Mammography, Middle Aged, Physician-Patient Relations, Radiology, Risk Management, Time Factors, United States, Liability, Legal, Medical Errors
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