Stability and infrequency of radiologic technologist malpractice payments: an analysis of the National Practitioner Data Bank.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe characteristics and trends of radiologic technologist (RT) malpractice payments.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Duszak
Richard
R
Mid-South Imaging and Therapeutics, 6305 Humphreys Boulevard, Memphis,TN 38120, USA. rduszak@duszak.com
Berlin
Leonard
L
Ellenbogen
Paul H
PH
D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana; D008318:Malpractice / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016749:National Practitioner Data Bank / Q000191:economics*; D009515:New Jersey; D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States