The dark side of photomicrographs in pathology reports: liability and practical concerns hidden from view

The rapid evolution of digital imaging has facilitated the ability to include photomicrographs in pathology reports. Although these pictures may seem to be an informative accompaniment to the written report, there are many problems raised by the images, which are not generally recognized. These include lack of quality standards, selection of representative images, and liability implications, which are addressed by well-established legal precedent. For dermatologists there is no such thing as a casual interest in a photomicrograph on a report, for it acts to distribute a share of liability by obligating the clinician to interpret the image properly. The risk management ramifications of these unintended consequences should be strongly considered by clinicians who favor the receipt of photomicrographic images in their pathology reports.