What a radiology review usually focuses on
Imaging interpretation and communication. A case review should reconstruct the sequence of study selection, image interpretation, communication of urgent findings, follow-up recommendation, and comparison with prior imaging from the records available at each decision point.
Five decision points to map
- 1. Study selection
- 2. Image interpretation
- 3. Communication of urgent findings
- 4. Follow-up recommendation
- 5. Comparison with prior imaging
Records that can answer those questions
- Radiology consultation, procedure, or encounter notes
- Orders and test results used to make the clinical decision
- Medication, monitoring, procedure, or nursing records tied to the event
- Communication with the patient and other specialties
- Later treatment showing the complication, corrected diagnosis, or outcome
Expert and causation questions
- What training and specialty should the reviewing radiology expert have under state law?
- Which of the key decision points in imaging interpretation and communication is actually being challenged?
- What information was available at that time, not only in hindsight?
- What part of the later harm is attributable to the underlying illness or known risk?
- Would a different medical decision probably have changed treatment or outcome?
Related specialties
Surgery Malpractice GuideSurgery malpractice questions often require specialty-specific records and expert review.Urgent Care Malpractice GuideUrgent Care malpractice questions often require specialty-specific records and expert review.Gynecology Malpractice GuideProcedure, diagnosis, infection, and consent questions.Anesthesiology Malpractice GuideAirway, dosing, monitoring, and recovery.
Use licensing, records, and medical-information sources appropriate to the specialty.