Medical Malpractice and Diagnostic Radiology: Challenges and Opportunities

Acad Radiol. 2024 Jan;31(1):233-241. doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.08.015. Epub 2023 Sep 22.

Abstract

Medicolegal challenges in radiology are broad and impact both radiologists and patients. Radiologists may be affected directly by malpractice litigation or indirectly due to defensive imaging ordering practices. Patients also could be harmed physically, emotionally, or financially by unnecessary tests or procedures. As technology advances, the incorporation of artificial intelligence into medicine will bring with it new medicolegal challenges and opportunities. This article reviews the current and emerging direct and indirect effects of medical malpractice on radiologists and summarizes evidence-based solutions.

Keywords: Defensive medicine; Medical malpractice.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Humans
  • Malpractice*
  • Radiography
  • Radiologists
  • Radiology*