New Research Sheds Light on Why Radiologists are Missing Diseases

 Posted on January 25, 2023 in Medical Malpractice

X-rays are crucial in diagnosing an illness. But despite advances in technology, error rates in radiology remain almost the same as they did back in 1949. New research found that radiologists are missing significant problems in about 30 percent of chest x-rays while looking for disease. Radiologist mistakes continue to happen and, in some instances, they can lead to irreversible damage. Responsible parties must be held accountable because injuries from a misread x-ray can lead to lifelong disabilities or even death.

X-Rays and Neurocognitive Flaws

Typically, x-ray technicians and doctors review the images to determine if there is a cause for concern. This is often the time when errors occur. In many cases, radiologists do not notice potential health problems leading to worsening health conditions for the patient.

One of the most significant findings of this study is that radiologists actually looked at patient abnormalities in the x-rays, several times, but they were not mentally aware of it. X-rays are imaging tools that look at different parts of the body, specifically hard tissues, to-determine irregularities or disease. Physicians rely on a radiologist’s reading of an x-ray to determine if additional measures must be taken to protect a patient’s health. X-rays are usually taken of a patient’s bones, lungs, and digestive tract. But this recent study shows that radiologists are not seeing the issues that are right before their eyes. 

Researchers believe it is due to neurocognitive factors that are currently not completely understood. It would be as though the brain blinks, missing crucial information, rather than the eyes of a radiologist. The hope is that artificial intelligence could solve these issues in the next decade.

Proving a Radiologist is Negligent

In order to have a successful medical malpractice lawsuit you must prove that a radiologist or a physician is negligent. In Illinois, these are the three elements you must prove when it comes to medical negligence:

• Prove that your doctor violated the standard of care

• Prove that the radiologist or medical professional’s violation of the standard of care caused an injury, thereby establishing negligence

• Prove that your injury caused your real damages, such as ongoing health issues, lost wages, or death of a loved one

Contact an Arlington Heights Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a misread x-ray you need a skilled Palatine medical malpractice attorney. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we will gather information regarding the facts and circumstances leading up to a potential medical malpractice lawsuit. Call 847-797-8000 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.rsna.org/news/2022/march/Human-Error-In-Radiology