Risk management in radiology

Recent US nationwide research on malpractice lawsuits shows that the most common cause of medical malpractice suits against radiologists was error in diagnosis (mainly failure to diagnose instead of delay); the category next in frequency was procedural complications, followed by inadequate communication with either patient or referring physician. Risk management is a fundamental instrument to prevent and limit errors and adverse events. This article analyzes risk management in radiology addressing the most common ethical-legal issues on appropriateness of prescriptions, informed consent, and management of adverse events. Effective remedial actions are proposed to avoid malpractice claims that would help physicians in preventing malpractice stress syndrome, leading to defensive medicine.