Radiology negligence: What happens when radiology is misreported?
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Radiology, also known as diagnostic imaging, is central to modern healthcare. It encompasses a range of tests that produce images of the inside of the body, assisting the diagnosis and management of both injury and disease. Some of the most common imaging methods include X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasound and CT scans. Every sector of healthcare relies on radiology, from emergency medicine and surgery, to oncology and general practice.
Radiology imaging supports clinicians every day in determining the cause of a patient’s symptoms, identifying the best treatment plan, and providing reassurance. In many cases, early diagnosis through radiology can be life-saving, particularly for conditions such as cancer where prompt treatment is vital.
How radiology reporting works
Did you know that most radiology images are not interpreted immediately by the radiographer who performs the scan? The formal report is usually provided later, often on a different day, by a reporting radiologist (a medical doctor with specialised training in interpreting diagnostic images). It can take several weeks for a radiology report to be finalised, especially where hospitals outsource reporting to third-party providers. The reporting radiologist may not even be an employee of the hospital where the scan was performed.
Once imaging is completed, the radiologist reviews the images alongside any relevant clinical information, i.e. a referral letter or presenting symptoms. The radiologist then prepares a report detailing what the images show, this report then guides the decisions of the referring doctors and almost all subsequent healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care.
In most cases, radiology reports are accurate and crucial in reaching a clear course of action, for example, confirming a fracture so it can be treated effectively, or identifying a tumour so that appropriate cancer care can begin.
What happens when radiology mistakes are made?
So, what happens when a radiology image is misinterpreted? What if a report, relied upon by multiple healthcare professionals, is wrong?
While the majority of radiology images are reported with accuracy, errors do occur, and they can have serious, sometimes life-changing, consequences. A missed diagnosis or incorrect interpretation can delay treatment, lead to unnecessary procedures, or result in the progression of a condition that could have been managed or cured.
Building a radiology negligence case
In cases involving radiology errors, expert evidence is essential to the success of the negligence claim. We work closely with specialist radiologists who help us:
- Review and analyse the imaging to confirm what it shows;
- Explain why the original report was incorrect; and
- In some cases, construct a timeline demonstrating how asomeone’s medical condition deteriorated as a result of the original reporting error.
How we can help you to claim compensation for radiology negligence
If you have concerns about the reliability of a radiology report and its impact on your care, or if you have been advised that your treatment has been affected due to an incorrect report, contact us for a free consultation.
We will offer you expert advice and support in navigating these complex claims, and will fight to recover the compensation you deserve. We have experience in identifying the correct defendant and understand that reporting may have been outsourced. This means that the Defendant may not necessarily be the NHS Trust or the hospital you attended.
