Canadian radiology firm identified to review exams
Oct. 27, 2009
FREDERICTON (CNB) – A Canadian firm to review selected radiology exams of a former Grand Falls-area radiologist has been identified by the Department of Health. Minister of Health Mary Schryer said today that the department had identified RealTime Radiology to conduct the review. It is estimated that this will encompass 30,000 exams. On Oct. 5, 2009, Regional Health Authority (RHA) A announced that it would review ultrasounds, chest X-rays, fluoroscopy exams, venograms, Doppler ultrasounds and mammography exams conducted by the former radiologist between 2006 and 2009. The Horizon Health Network (formerly RHA B) will also be included in the review because the radiologist also worked in Zone 3 of the health authority in the Plaster Rock, Perth-Andover and Bath areas. The decision followed an independent audit of 332 exams, which showed that 53 exams (16 percent) required follow-up with the patient’s physician.“This work will be carried out as quickly as possible so that patients may have confidence in the accuracy of their diagnosis,” said Schryer. “Providing these individuals with peace of mind is the highest priority.”As part of the review, radiology exams will be provided to RealTime Radiology’s headquarters and data centre in Mississauga, Ont., for review by the company’s radiology review team. The review is expected to be completed during the next six months, and it will be funded by the Department of Health.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sonya Gilks, communications, Department of Health, 506-444-3506;
Lydia Dupéré, Regional Health Authority A, 506-444-3678;
Sonya Green Haché, HorizonHealth Network, 506-623-5523.
