There is no denying that astounding advancements in medical science and technology have streamlined complex processes. With the advent of eclectic state-of-the-art equipment, performing different medical imaging or radiology tests is now a hassle-free task for certified radiologists. They are medical professionals who possess profound knowledge and proficiency in conducting diagnosis and treatment of injuries making optimum use of advanced medical imaging techniques.

Radiologists Receive Rigorous Training

Radiologists need to undergo very specialized and thorough training for a considerable number of years in order to acquire a clear understanding of pediatric radiology, radiation oncology, and interventional radiology. They receive certification from recognized bodies to function as radiology professionals when they become adept at conducting several radiology methods such as Computed Tomography (CT) scan, X-rays, MRI scan, Ultrasonography, etc.

However, despite extensive training, experience, and expertise, radiologists, even at leading hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, sometimes commit errors, and patients have to bear the brunt of their wrong moves. Look, possibilities of minor or major mistakes are always there when carrying out medical imaging techniques. As per a recently conducted survey, nearly 4 million individuals in the United States sustain a severe injury owing to misdiagnosis every year.

Steps Radiologists Take Promptly After Making a Wrong Move

All medical imaging or radiology techniques are non-invasive. Well-trained and versed radiologists leave no stone unturned to ensure that they perform necessary tests with utmost care so that patients do not experience even the slightest hint of pain. Still, many a time, despite diagnosing and treating injuries meticulously, these medical specialists end up committing one or the other error. Read on to learn about the key steps they take at once upon realizing their wrong moves.

Inform the Referring Health Professional about the Mistake

A radiology expert immediately contacts and makes a referring physician aware of the undesired act they have made while conducting diagnosis or treatment leveraging medical imaging devices. They know of the importance of doing so as it can prevent a patient’s injury from aggravating. The top priority of medical practitioners is ensuring top-notch protection and care to patients.

Make Patients Aware of the Exact Error Committed

A trustworthy rad does not stay away from disclosing the mistake to patients that he or she makes while performing diagnosis or treatment employing medical imagining machines. Also, radiologists do not delay consulting with experts and seeking their valuable guidance. Aside from conveying the error, they discuss the necessary steps to take with risk managers so as to keep the risk of a more severe condition at bay.

Report the Mistakes Sooner than Later

Chances are higher for a radiologist to lose his job and face severe consequences if he hides committed errors from everyone. Therefore, upon realizing their faults, what they do is report the exact mistakes besides the injury risks owing to misdiagnosis and estimated financial needs for proper treatment to bring the unwanted situation under control.

Doing so helps radiology doctors mitigate their own risks as well. In addition, they adhere to communication guidelines and policies to alleviate further risks and ensure that patients’ condition doesn’t become more serious.8

Notify Emergent Findings’ Ordering Providers

It is of paramount importance for radiologists to notify an ordering provider of one of the urgent findings right away. Perceptual issues account for a lot of medical imaging errors. These happen when a radiologist fails to interpret a particular disease or injury that has developed significantly.

All in all, it’s the responsibility of a trusted and committed radiologist to call a physician or clinician immediately after committing and realizing a mistake, produce accurate reports and take care of the patient.

These medical specialists need to evaluate their errors and implement necessary changes to restrain themselves from making further mistakes while conducting radiology procedures. A radiologist must help others who also carry out medical imaging techniques to become aware of the common missteps they might make at any time.

In the end, radiologists are humans, which is why the possibility of an error is always there even when they perform medical imaging methods carefully. Relying on sepStream®, the best medical imaging software solution can help produce accurate imaging reports. This particular software helps radiologists have peace of mind as it keeps the risk of errors during radiology procedures at bay.