What are the consequences of failing to verify a patient's identity before imaging?

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Verifying a patient’s identity before imaging is crucial to ensure the right exam is done for the right person and that the results are correctly attributed. If identity isn’t confirmed, you risk performing the wrong study on the wrong patient, or mislabeling images, which can lead to misdiagnosis, unnecessary repeat imaging, and delays in appropriate care. Privacy and confidentiality are also at stake: patient information and images could be linked to the wrong chart or shared with the wrong person, creating a confidentiality breach and potential legal/ethical consequences for the facility and staff. In short, not checking identity can produce an incorrect exam outcome and expose the patient to privacy issues, making this practice essential for patient safety and trust.