Subcontracted reporting and heavy examination workload in the healthcare system pose security risks
While the intensity and lack of inspections in MRI and CT reporting processes carried out through subcontracted firms in Turkey threaten patient safety, experts called for urgent regulations for quality healthcare services.
While millions of MRI and CT scans are performed across Turkey every year, the commercialized healthcare system and service procurement model lead to serious errors in reporting processes. Experts emphasize that the increasing examination workload and lack of supervision jeopardize patient safety.
Critical errors experienced in reporting processes
In the MRI scan of a patient receiving treatment at a hospital in Istanbul, a clearly visible metastasis condition was not reflected in the report, and the patient's treatment was delayed for months.
In another case in Bursa, it was reported that a patient lost their life due to erroneous reporting performed with the CT image of a different patient.
Subcontracted firms and contract deficiencies
In most public hospitals, devices and reporting processes are carried out entirely through subcontracted firms.
There is no upper limit in the contracts regarding the number of reports a physician can write within a day.
Imaging statistics reaching millions
According to Ministry of Health data, a total of 50.3 million imaging scans, consisting of 20.9 million MRIs and 29.4 million CTs, were performed in 2024.
This massive figure reveals the dimensions of the workload on the system and the pressure radiologists are subjected to.
Warnings from the Turkish Radiology Association
Turkish Radiology Association President Prof. Dr. Deniz Akata stated that the problem is not limited to individual errors and the system must be addressed as a whole.
He noted that writing a large number of reports in a short time reduces examination durations and negatively affects comparisons with previous examinations, especially in cancer patients.
Quality healthcare service and solution proposals
Experts argue that the goal should not be to write reports quickly, but to interpret them correctly in sufficient time by performing the right examination for the right patient.
Urgent reforms are demanded to reduce the unnecessary examination workload and make processes auditable.
Call for clinical decision support systems
It is stated that Clinical Decision Support Systems should be implemented by utilizing the e-Pulse and teleradiology infrastructure.
Additionally, it is requested that pricing encourage quality rather than quantity, vocational training be supported, and reporting responsibility be clear.