MODULE 1

Mammography and Malpractice by the Numbers

Radiologists overestimate the risk of being sued. This leads to fear which can cloud clinical judgment and increase stress.

Module 1 teaches you about the medical malpractice risk of breast imaging so you can practice with more confidence. 

You'll Learn:

• How the risk of being sued isn’t what you might think
• The variables that can increase (or decrease) the chances of a lawsuit
• How to think differently about statistics without fear

MODULE 2

Breast Density and the Court of Public Opinion

This module highlights the history of the breast density movement and how it helps physicians understand what patients expect from mammography.

This means physicians and patients are in a great position to work together for better care, but we have to know how to communicate.

You'll Learn:

• The history of the breast density movement that led to legislation
• How patients have a 100+ year history of activism relevant to today
• The importance of the media in communicating patient-led messages

MODULE 3

Exam Order and Referral Processes

Module 3 takes a deep-dive look at your clinical order/referral process.

You can improve and streamline your facility’s referral process to provide better clinical information and aid exam interpretation while reducing risk.

You'll Discover:

• A step-by-step examination of the process from clinical order to exam
• How the radiologist can improve the quality and quantity of referrals
• Strategies to collaborate with facilities offering various imaging exams

MODULE 4

Exam Protocols and Workflow

Module 4 teaches you how to streamline your imaging exam protocols and workflow, whether at a single facility or across different imaging sites.

This knowledge is key to minimizing administrative headaches and constant problem-solving while improving care for patients through a consistent approach.

You'll Learn:

• How to evaluate your facility’s outward-facing public image and media
• Resources and specific recommendations for protocols by modality
• How to approach cutting-edge or controversial imaging such as thermography

MODULE 5

Procedure Protocols and Workflow

Module 5 takes the previous module’s focus on protocols and workflow and applies it to procedures such as biopsy, needle localization, and aspiration.

This helps you understand how the malpractice risk of performing procedures goes beyond the details of how a procedure is performed.

You'll Discover:

• Potential pitfalls in procedure performance and reporting that could affect liability
• Resources and specific recommendations for procedures by modality
•  How to approach procedures from start to finish with an end goal of reducing errors/liability AND improving patient care

MODULE 6

Communicating Results to Patients

Module 6 teaches you how the Mammography Quality Standards Act dictates many key patient communication requirements. Failing to follow these mandates and recommendations can lead to lawsuits regarding alleged failure to notify patients of results by radiologists.

When you know exactly how and when to communicate results, which vary by exam type, you can help reduce the chance of a diagnosis or recommendation being missed and can improve care.

You'll Learn:

• The key difference between “must” and “may” in MQSA requirements
• How to ensure you communicate effectively with patients whether they are referred by a clinician or if they are self-referred
• Why radiologists are a key component in direct patient communication

MODULE 7

Communicating Results to Providers

Module 7 builds on the previous module’s focus on patient communication and focuses on communication with referring providers. Many lawsuits focus on alleged failure to notify patients of results and miscommunication between radiologists and referring clinicians.

You'll Discover:

• How to communicate results within the required time period and in the correct format
• How to handle different requirements for different BI-RADS categories
• Why your audit and tracking process is crucial to prove compliance 

MODULE 8

Exam Reports

Module 8 teaches you how important words are in radiology reports and the importance of the BI-RADS terminology for effective communication.

We also examine the different leadership roles radiologists play in breast imaging centers and the potential liability associated with specific requirements of those positions.

You'll Learn:

• Where to find templates and other resources for lay letters
• How to use consistent BI-RADS terminology to improve care and reduce the risk of lawsuits
• How the roles of lead and audit interpreting physicians may put you at risk and how to comply 

MODULE 9

Sample Case Review

Module 9 shows you common themes in many mammography malpractice cases, taken from real-life examples. You’ll learn directly from an expert witness which factors led to a lawsuit and how it may have been avoidable.

This is your chance to learn from others’ mistakes to reduce the chance of making your own. When you know what to look for, you will be less likely to fall into the common traps that can increase the risk of being sued.

You'll Learn:

• The riskiest breast density pattern
• Why the most compliant patients may be most prone to sue
• The potential pitfalls of palpable masses

MODULE 10

What to Do if You are Sued

Module 10 shines a bright light on the dark topic of being sued. The good, the bad, the ugly – your expert guide tells all and teaches you how to not only survive but thrive during and after being sued.

It isn’t easy. But it IS possible to be your best advocate, take the opportunity to learn, and be an even better doctor after a lawsuit.

You'll Learn:

• The most important things to do (or NOT) do if you are sued
• How to work proactively with your defense attorney
• How to grow from a position of strength, not fear, and continue your career better than before