Turf wars in radiology: the quality of imaging facilities operated by nonradiologist physicians and of the images they produce.

Abstract

There is considerable emphasis currently placed on the need to reduce medical errors and improve patients' safety. Because diagnostic imaging is such an important part of the workup of most medical conditions, one way to help achieve this goal is to insist that imaging facilities and the imaging examinations they produce meet high standards of quality. Published studies have shown that radiology facilities and radiologists consistently generate higher quality images than most other medical specialties. Radiologists should bring this evidence to the attention of payers and medical policy makers in their areas who are responsible for decisions affecting patients' safety.