Stability and infrequency of radiologic technologist malpractice payments: an analysis of the National Practitioner Data Bank.
PMID 20816632 · Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR · 2010 · DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2010.03.002
Authors: Richard Duszak; Leonard Berlin; Paul H Ellenbogen
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe characteristics and trends of radiologic technologist (RT) malpractice payments. National Practitioner Data Bank data files were analyzed for details of RT malpractice payments from 1991 through 2008. Payment amounts, sources, and allegations were all identified and summarized, along with geographic and demographic data. Between 1991 and 2008, a total of 155 RT malpractice payments were reported nationally, ranging from $750 to $11.5 million (median, $57,500; mean, $293,655 +/- $1,305,091), with 153 (99%) <$1 million. Adjusting for outliers and inflation, payments changed little over the 18-year interval. More than half of all cases originated in 8 states, with per capita payments most common in Louisiana and New Jersey. Alleged errors in diagnosis accounted for one third of all cases. Malpractice payments on behalf of RTs are very infrequent (on average, <9 nationally each year) and usually relatively small (almost half <$50,000). Frequency and mean adjusted payment have remained stable over nearly two decades, likely related in part to "deep pocket" shielding by hospitals and radiologists.
Humans; Louisiana; Malpractice; National Practitioner Data Bank; New Jersey; Technology, Radiologic; United States
Cite
Richard Duszak; Leonard Berlin; Paul H Ellenbogen. Stability and infrequency of radiologic technologist malpractice payments: an analysis of the National Practitioner Data Bank. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR (2010). PMID 20816632. DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2010.03.002.