Malpractice and lawsuits in radiology: what the radiologist should know

Abstract

Abstract Background All medical specialties have an inherent intrinsic risk of malpractice lawsuits. Radiodiagnosis is also not averse to this risk as it involves making decisions under uncertain situations which determine patient management. Main body There is an increasing trend of malpractice lawsuits against the radiologist due to the increased involvement of the radiologist in the management of the patient and the ever-increasing reliance of the referring physician on the radiologist for making a diagnosis and guiding management. These lawsuits commonly occur due to patient mismanagement and lack of communication. In this article, we overview the medical malpractice law and the causes of litigations against radiologists. This paper also reviews the ways by which a radiologist can reduce the risks and consequences of these lawsuits. Conclusion Awareness of the main medico-legal issues and insurance in the radiology field is very important for the radiologist to protect himself from malpractice litigation.