Friday, July 18, 2025
Distribution: (800) 510 0384
Washington DC
New York
Toronto
Press ID  
  • Login
The Hudson Weekly
  • Financial
  • Blockchain
  • Technology
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Arts
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Cybersecurity
No Result
View All Result
  • Financial
  • Blockchain
  • Technology
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Arts
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Cybersecurity
No Result
View All Result
The Hudson Weekly
No Result
View All Result

Study Reveals Bias Among Doctors Who Classify X-Rays for Coal Miner’s Black Lung Claims

UIC researchers first to publish data on B-reader financial conflicts of interest

Marc Brousseau by Marc Brousseau
March 28, 2021
in Health
A A
Study Reveals Bias Among Doctors Who Classify X-Rays for Coal Miner’s Black Lung Claims

Lee Friedman. © UIC

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

University of Illinois Chicago researchers are the first to report on the financial conflicts of interest that exist among doctors who review the chest X-rays of coal miners who file workers’ compensation claims of totally disabling disease with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Federal Black Lung Program.

The UIC researchers found that the determinations of these doctors – who are known as B-readers and who are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH – were strongly associated with the party that hired them.

HudsonNewsroom

7 Mental Benefits of Pattern Recognition Games Like Mahjong and Sudoku

Creating a Calming Home Environment for Children With Autism

Beyond the Buzz: Separating Kratom Myths From Facts

By analyzing 63,780 radiograph classifications made by 264 physicians in Black Lung Program claims filed during 2000-2013, the researchers found that B-readers who were identified as ever being hired by a coal miner’s employer read the images as negative for pneumoconiosis in 84.8% of the records. Pneumoconiosis is the general term for a class of lung diseases caused by the inhalation of dust – coal worker’s pneumonoconiosis, or CWP, is commonly known as black lung disease and caused by long-term inhalation of coal dust.

Comparatively, a lower percentage of the records were read as negative for pneumoconiosis by those hired by the Department of Labor or a miner – 63.2% and 51.3% of the records, respectively.

These results are published on Friday in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

The authors write that given the clear association between classifications and financial conflicts of interest, a lack of consistency in classifications within and between B-readers, and an absence of an objective gold-standard for chest X-ray classifications, substantial improvements in transparency, oversight, and objectivity for black lung claims are clearly needed.

UIC’s Lee Friedman and Dr. Robert Cohen are senior authors of the study.

“Certainly, we anticipated finding some bias, as there has been anecdotal evidence for some time and the Department of Labor has even taken action since 2013 to avoid such bias. But the degree of bias shown in this data is alarming,” said Friedman, associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the UIC School of Public Health. “It begs the question: are those actions enough and are they helping?”

For example, NIOSH has written a rule to institute a panel to review and decertify B-readers who repeatedly provide unreasonably inaccurate classifications of X-rays. However, complaints must be submitted to NIOSH and only after three independent complaint investigations will a B-reader be decertified.

“The system we have today is not being used to its full potential and, even if it were, it still leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to ensuring accurate and judicious outcomes for all parties,” said Cohen, clinical professor of environmental and occupational health sciences and director of the Mining Education and Resource Center.

The analysis also found that there were 64 B-readers who classified an absence of pneumoconiosis in 95% of their classifications, with the vast majority (93.3%) of the classifications being made by B-readers who were primarily hired by the employer. The majority of these B-readers – 51 of them – classified films as negative for pneumoconiosis in more than 99% of their classifications.

In contrast, there were 23 B-readers that diagnosed simple pneumoconiosis in 95% of their classifications, with a minority (22%) of the classifications being made by B-readers who were primarily hired by the claimant-miner; 18 of these B-readers diagnosed simple pneumoconiosis in more than 99% of their classifications.

“While there is evidence of bias on both sides, it is clear that the degree of bias is much heavier on the employer side, and this is twofold,” Cohen said. “Not only are those hired by an employer much more likely to classify a chest X-ray as negative for black lung disease, but it is also much more likely that an employer will have the resources to hire its own expert – at a much higher fee – in the first place.

“It is clear from this data that this bias is a systemic problem and the most significant offenders are identifiable – the records show a clear pattern of B-reader conflicts of interest,” he said.

Better utilizing the current regulations to decertify B-readers with significant bias are among the recommendations the authors of the study present in the paper.

The authors also recommend that all initial contact and payments should be made by USDOL, and the other parties should be prohibited from communicating on a claim until the initial classifications are submitted, limiting coordination between the reader and requester.

Cohen and Friedman say other methods to reduce bias could include growing and diversifying the pool of B-readers; regulating the fees of B-readers who testify on behalf of either party; mandating B-readers to disclose any wholesale relationships and their associated income from related classifications; and, investing in scientific advances that leverage artificial intelligence to classify chest films without bias.

“The technology is there, but we don’t have the systems in place to validate or implement a process,” Cohen said. “It’s a matter of motivation.”

“This is really just the tip of the iceberg,” Friedman said. “It is very likely that this issue extends beyond the Federal Black Lung Program and is pervasive across workers’ compensation systems.”

UIC’s Sudeshna De and Kirsten Almberg are coauthors of the paper, which noted no external funding for the research.

Marc Brousseau

Marc Brousseau

Deputy Editor

More from HW Newsdesk

7 Mental Benefits of Pattern Recognition Games Like Mahjong and Sudoku
Health

7 Mental Benefits of Pattern Recognition Games Like Mahjong and Sudoku

July 18, 2025
The Joy and Educational Value of Farm Animal Toys for Children
Health

Creating a Calming Home Environment for Children With Autism

July 18, 2025
Beyond the Buzz: Separating Kratom Myths From Facts
Health

Beyond the Buzz: Separating Kratom Myths From Facts

July 18, 2025

HW Newsroom

How a Chlorine Shower Head Filter Can Improve Skin Sensitivity and Dry Hair
Lifestyle

How a Chlorine Shower Head Filter Can Improve Skin Sensitivity and Dry Hair

by Dennis Keller
July 18, 2025

Two of the most noticeable features of a person are their skin and hair. This is why it’s not surprising...

6 Common Myths About Protecting Business Electronics That Could Lead to Damage

Intelligent PDF Merging Solutions for Modern IT Departments

July 18, 2025
How Crypto Casinos Use Blockchain to Offer Anonymous Gaming

How Crypto Casinos Use Blockchain to Offer Anonymous Gaming

July 18, 2025
7 Mental Benefits of Pattern Recognition Games Like Mahjong and Sudoku

7 Mental Benefits of Pattern Recognition Games Like Mahjong and Sudoku

July 18, 2025
The Truth About Countertop Material Costs (From a Builder’s Perspective)

The Truth About Countertop Material Costs (From a Builder’s Perspective)

July 18, 2025
The Joy and Educational Value of Farm Animal Toys for Children

Creating a Calming Home Environment for Children With Autism

July 18, 2025
Timeless or Trendy? Engagement Ring Styles That Speak to Every Personality

Timeless or Trendy? Engagement Ring Styles That Speak to Every Personality

July 18, 2025
How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Tree for Your Space

5 Must-Have Features to Look for When Booking a Christmas Party Venue

July 18, 2025
How Jewelry Making Classes Boost Confidence and Creativity for Kids

How Jewelry Making Classes Boost Confidence and Creativity for Kids

July 18, 2025
Why Caring for Your Mental Health Is Crucial

A Clean Energy Boost for Busy Parents and Professionals

July 18, 2025
Top Benefits of Building an Outdoor BBQ Kitchen

Top Benefits of Building an Outdoor BBQ Kitchen

July 18, 2025
Edificio Metropoli, Gran vía - Madrid, Spain. © Jorge Fernández Salas

Your Spanish Dream Awaits: Navigating Residency in Spain With MySpainVisa – A Professional and Responsible Approach

July 18, 2025
No Result
View All Result

Headlines

Best 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Floor Mats – Waterproof, Durable & Easy Clean

Peace of Mind: 24/7 Support for Your Safari Trip From Your Agency

Hungary’s Real Estate Funds and the Golden Visa Advantage: Maximizing Returns

How a Chlorine Shower Head Filter Can Improve Skin Sensitivity and Dry Hair

Intelligent PDF Merging Solutions for Modern IT Departments

How Crypto Casinos Use Blockchain to Offer Anonymous Gaming

Trending

How to Swap TRX to USDT Instantly Using Symbiosis
Blockchain

How to Exchange ETH to USDT on TRC20: Your Friendly Walkthrough

by Nicole Choquette
July 18, 2025

This tutorial provides a step-by-step overview of how to exchange ETH to USDT on the TRC20 network, showing exactly...

What Makes Regulated Forex Brokers a Better Choice

Why Your Forex EA’s Location Matters More Than Its Strategy

July 18, 2025
Best 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Floor Mats – Waterproof, Durable & Easy Clean

Best 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Floor Mats – Waterproof, Durable & Easy Clean

July 18, 2025
Peace of Mind: 24/7 Support for Your Safari Trip from Your Agency

Peace of Mind: 24/7 Support for Your Safari Trip From Your Agency

July 18, 2025
Hungary's Real Estate Funds and the Golden Visa Advantage: Maximizing Returns

Hungary’s Real Estate Funds and the Golden Visa Advantage: Maximizing Returns

July 18, 2025
  • Kia America представляет цены и захватывающие обновления для Sorento 2025 (ICE)

https://madisongraph.com/kia-america-unveils-pricing-and-exciting-updates-for-2025-sorento-ice/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost
  • Kia Recognized as One of TIME Magazine’s “World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024”

https://madisongraph.com/kia-recognized-as-one-of-time-magazines-worlds-most-sustainable-companies-of-2024/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost
  • VinFast Auto Establishes Dealer Advisory Board to Enhance Customer Experience

https://madisongraph.com/vinfast-auto-establishes-dealer-advisory-board-to-enhance-customer-experience/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost
  • Medicare Announces Expansion of Coverage for Microprocessor-Controlled Knees for Lower Mobility Users

https://lincolncitizen.com/medicare-announces-expansion-of-coverage-for-microprocessor-controlled-knees-for-lower-mobility-users/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost
  • GA-ASI Successfully Tests PT6 Engine on MQ-9B SkyGuardian Aircraft

https://lincolncitizen.com/ga-asi-successfully-tests-pt6-engine-on-mq-9b-skyguardian-aircraft/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost
  • U.S. Leading Economic Index Declines by 0.2% in June 2024, Coincident Index Rises by 0.3%

https://fairmontpost.com/u-s-leading-economic-index-declines-by-0-2-in-june-2024-coincident-index-rises-by-0-3/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost
  • USTDA Director Travels to Bulgaria and Romania to Promote Clean, Secure Energy

https://belmontstar.com/ustda-director-travels-to-bulgaria-and-romania-to-promote-clean-secure-energy/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost
  • Police Recommend a Hidden Camera Detector Device to Protect Privacy

https://marketsherald.com/police-recommend-a-hidden-camera-detector-device-to-protect-privacy/

#nyc #losangeles #chicago #houston #phoenix #philadelphia #sandiego #dallas #sanfrancisco #seattle #denver #washingtondc #boston #detroit #vancouver #toronto #publicrelations #marketingagency #earnedmedia #editorial #marketing #guestpost #guestposting #sponsored #sponsoredpost

© 2025 The Hudson Weekly. Published by The Ritz Herald. Editions: Markets Herald • Lincoln Citizen • Madison Graph • Belmont Star • Fairmont Post

Address: 1177 6th Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Removals: pr@hudsonweekly.com. Phone: (718) 313-5252. M-F: 9AM-5PM. Privacy Policy

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Financial
  • Blockchain
  • Technology
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Arts
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Cybersecurity

© 2025. The Hudson Weekly