Contrast material-related claims: Occurrence, outcome, and risk management considerations

Over a 10-year period, 5% of the 2,000 medical claims at nine major Boston hospitals were related to radiology, and in ten contrast media were a major consideration. In each case, several risk-control factors played a role. Informed consent, both documentation and inclusion of risks, was a major consideration in six cases. Patient screening for general health and for risks, documentation of reactions, and documentation of treatment and follow-up of reactions, were also frequent risk management considerations. Quality of care, then, was less of an issue in contrast-related claims than screening of patients, informed consent and documentation