Closing the Loop - Radiologists should be cautious using EMR messaging for clinically significant communications

Radiologists are increasingly using electronic medical record (EMR)-based electronic communications to relay significant findings to ordering providers. EMR-based communication avoids some hurdles of telephonically reaching clinicians and provides real-time documentation of receipt. Although electronic communication is now referenced in recent ACR Practice Parameters, it remains unclear how courts will treat this form of communication. Specifically, the ability of providers to respond with a single button click raises concerns as to whether this satisfies expectations of meaningful closed-loop communication.