Communication errors in radiology: a liability cost analysis.

Abstract

We evaluated the economic effect on radiologists involved in litigation of failures in communication of results. 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. 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. Notwithstanding diagnostic accuracy, errors attributable to ineffective communication of results account for high indemnity awards. These errors can be easily resolved in clinical practice.