Interior Health announces some Kootenay Boundary radiology results under review
By Nelson Daily Staff
Interior Health issued a media release Tuesday that the authority is initiating a review of diagnostic imaging reports from a radiologist who worked as a locum in the Kootenay Boundary area.
The review is for diagnostic imaging reports during the time periods:
- April 29 to May 31, 2011
- June 4 to 23, 2014
Interior Health said patients who had exams performed outside of these timeframes are not impacted by these reviews.
“The review encompasses diagnostic imaging exam reports for X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds,” the IH release said.
“Some diagnostic mammography reports will also be reviewed, but not screening mammography.”
Interior Health said patients and their family physicians will be notified promptly if any discrepancies with their reports are found.
“Whether or not a discrepancy is found, all reread reports will be provided to the family physician and all patients will receive a follow-up letter. Interior Health anticipates reviewing all exams within four weeks.”
Interior Health is undertaking this review after recently becoming aware of quality concerns regarding images read by this radiologist.
“It is important to stress that this review is taking place as a precautionary step, and, until records are reviewed, it is unclear if there is cause for concern for any individual patients,” the release said.
“Diagnostic imaging is used to support a physician diagnosis and is not the only factor considered in diagnosis and treatment.”
Interior Health said the public should know there are no concerns with the quality of current radiology services provided within the Kootenay Boundary or other areas of Interior Health.
Kootenay Boundary radiology review
Further detail related to the Interior Health review of Kootenay Boundary radiology reports.
Scope of the review: The review covers 2,191 diagnostic imaging reports for 1,790 individual patients. It includes reports for Xray, CT scan, ultrasound, and diagnostic mammography (not screening mammography) exams.
It covers the following periods:
- April 29 – May 31, 2011 – reports read for diagnostic imaging exams undertaken at:
- Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital
- Castlegar & District Community Health Centre
- Arrow Lakes Hospital, Nakusp
- June 4 – 23, 2014 – reports read for diagnostic imaging exams undertaken at:
- Kootenay Lake Hospital
- Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital
- Castlegar & District Community Health Centre
- Slocan Community Health Centre, New Denver
- Victorian Community Health Centre, Kaslo
- Boundary District Hospital, Grand Forks
If individuals did not have exams during these two time periods at these sites, they are not affected.
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