RESUMO
Risk management plays an integral role in the mitigation of malpractice claims in the radiology environment. This holds true for the radiologist and professional association as well as the facility that supports the radiologic service. The radiologist and the radiology department or imaging center are separate entities which have a symbiotic relationship. Radiologists may function as an independent contractor, yet their function is dependent on the facility with which it contracts. The function of the radiology department is directly related to the radiologist's performance, staff competency, and equipment performance. Mammography poses particular concern with regard to medical malpractice, as there is an inherent subjectivity in the differential diagnosis with regard to breast cancer in mammography.