NAPA, Calif. – November 03, 2026 -- Clinical judgment errors are the most common driver of radiology malpractice claims, according to a new analysis from The Doctors Company, the largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer in the U.S.

November review draws on real claims data from a 2026 monthly specialty series

The insurer released "Radiology Claims: November Malpractice Risk Review." It is the latest edition in a monthly series that examines malpractice risk trends in a different medical specialty throughout 2026.

The review contains three analyses. The first covers contributing factors to patient harm. The second examines negligence allegations in radiology. The third is a case summary on missed diagnosis and communication failures.

Misread studies and delayed testing lead the harm factors

The judgment errors identified include misinterpretation of diagnostic studies, narrow diagnostic focus, and failure or delay in ordering diagnostic tests.

Unreported chest x-ray finding delayed a lung cancer diagnosis until the patient died

In the featured case, a suspected lung mass on a chest x-ray was never communicated to the cardiologist. The delay allowed the cancer to metastasize, and the patient died.

Julie Ritzman, Senior Vice President, Patient Safety and Risk Management at The Doctors Company, said every malpractice claim shows where patient care can be improved. She said the radiology trends give clinicians actionable insights to strengthen communication, decision-making and overall patient care.

TDC Group reports $2.5 billion in direct written premiums

The Doctors Company is part of TDC Group, which serves more than 200,000 healthcare professionals and organizations nationwide. TDC Group reports $12.5 billion in assets. The Doctors Company says it is the only medical malpractice insurer with an advocacy program covering all 50 states and the federal level.