Radiology Errors

According to a five-year report by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), medical errors that injure patients are seven times more frequent in the course of radiological services than in any other hospital setting. There are a variety of reasons that medical errors are more likely to occur in the radiology department. The reasons include the use of potentially hazardous drugs such as dyes, sedatives and blood thinners. Additionally, patients are transferred from one department to another. This creates an opportunity for miscommunication.

In addition to X-rays, the Radiology department performs a wide array of tests and procedures. Complex radiological services include cardiac catheterizations and nuclear medicine. The USP report states that cardiac catheterizations were responsible for approximately 40 percent of errors, while the general radiology "department" was assessed at 56 percent of the errors.

According to the Center for Advancement of Patient Safety, errors involving radiological procedures and exams resulted in the highest percentage of patient harm. The Institute of Medicine has characterized these medical errors as a serious problem in the United States.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a radiological error do not delay. Contact an attorney today. You are welcome and encouraged to call Louisville medical malpractice lawyer Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC at (502) 242-8877. He and his team will investigate your claim and work to protect you and your family.