The Doctors Company Releases November Malpractice Risk Review Focused on Radiology

The Doctors Company, the largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer in the United States, announced the release of "Radiology Claims: November Malpractice Risk Review." This report is part of a monthly series aimed at analyzing specialty-focused malpractice risk trends to enhance patient safety and clinical risk management.

Beginning in 2026, the Doctors Company will examine malpractice risk trends in various medical specialties each month, delivering evidence-based insights derived from real claims data. This initiative is designed to assist clinicians and healthcare leaders in understanding the dynamics of patient harm and the origins of negligence claims.

The November report, accessible at thedoctors.com/radiologyMRR, includes three complementary analyses that spotlight critical risks in radiology:

1. Contributing Factors to Patient Harm: This section identifies clinical judgment errors as the predominant cause of radiology claims. Key issues involved include the misinterpretation of diagnostic studies, a narrow diagnostic focus, and failures or delays in ordering necessary tests.
2. Negligence Allegations: The report analyzes negligence allegations in the field of radiology, providing practitioners and staff with insights on how to proactively recognize and mitigate potential risks.
3. Case Summary: A detailed case analysis reveals how communication failures regarding a suspected lung mass identified on a chest x-ray led to a delayed lung cancer diagnosis, ultimately resulting in the patient's death.

Julie Ritzman, MBA, CPHRM, Senior Vice President of Patient Safety and Risk Management at The Doctors Company, commented, "Every malpractice claim magnifies where patient care can be improved. Analyzing radiology claims highlights trends that provide clinicians with actionable insights to strengthen communication, decision-making, and overall patient care."