Medical Errors and the Importance of Second Opinions in Radiology

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Just the Facts Medical Errors
According to the Institute of Medicine, there are
tens of thousands of deaths every year related to
medical mistakes, while the Office of Inspector
General for the Department of Health and Human
Services places the number of deaths related to
bad hospital care with Medicare patients alone at
180,000 a year.1
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Just the Facts Diagnostic Errors
A 2009 study showed that of 583
physician-reported errors, 162 of these errors
were rated major (i.e., resulting in a near
life-threatening event, permanent disability, or
death), and 241 of these errors were rated
moderate (i.e., resulting in an invasive
procedure, higher level of care, increased LOS,
or short-term morbidity). The same study showed
44 of the errors occurred in the testing phase,
32 were clinical assessment errors, 10 involved
history taking, 10 physical examination, and 3
were consultation or referral delays and errors.2
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Just the Facts Radiologic Errors
In an analysis of 656 imaging exams collected
over an eight-year period by radiologist Young W.
Kim, M.D. and colleagues, 1,279 errors were
found. Of those errors, 42 were attributed to
under-reading, while a failure to comprehensively
examine anatomy after seeing abnormalities
relevant to the primary diagnosis made up 22 of
the errors.3
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Improving Radiology Accuracy with Second Opinions
In a study of second opinion consultations in
neuroradiology by John Hopkins, there was a 7.7
rate of significant discrepancy of
interpretation. With a definitive diagnosis, the
second opinion consultation was accurate in more
than 84 of studies.4
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Physicians Benefit from Second Opinion Services
Studies show doctors and patients alike benefit
from second opinion services on radiology scans,
including X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, PET scan,
and MRI. A second opinion requested by a patient
or healthcare provider not only reduces the
chances of a misdiagnosis or an unnecessary
procedure resulting from an inaccurate reading,
but allows the physician to focus on the most
accurate and comprehensive diagnosis and
treatment possible.
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The Significant Benefits of a Second Opinion
for Patients
A second opinion can detect abnormalities that
were missed and may also provide more detailed
information, giving your radiology scan a focused
and fresh pair of eyes. A second opinion
radiology service focuses on communicating
important information in a way thats easier to
grasp, with patients receiving highly
personalized care by phone or online. With
radiology second opinion services, there is no
middleman. Patients talk directly with a
radiologist about their images and
concerns. Most importantly, more than just
reassurance, a second opinion can save your
life.
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A Superior Level of Service

• MetisMD Radiologists are
• U.S. board-certified and fellowship-trained
• Highly esteemed specialists with 10 years of
  experience
• Published in their expertise field
• Based in the United States

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MetisMD is a leading radiology services company
that provides professional services and
consulting. MetisMD goes above and beyond
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attention and care they deserve. For more
information, please visit www.metismd.com.
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1. http//www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/09/20/2245076
   54/how-many-die-from-medical-mistakes-in-u-s-hospi
   tals
2. http//archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?artic
   leid1108559
3. http//www.diagnosticimaging.com/rsna-2010/err-hum
   an-analysis-finds-radiologists-very-human
4. http//www.metismd.com/ct-scan-diagnoses-why-a-sec
   ond-opinion-is-important