Diagnostic errors are more common than most people realize.
Diagnostic errors are more common than most people realize. In terms of patient safety, they present significant health risks which can often result in injury, or sometimes even death. Doctors have to be thorough with every patient; otherwise, they could be charged with medical malpractice. Keep reading and discover four types of medical diagnostic errors.
Unrecognized Complications
This occurs when a healthcare provider provides a patient with an accurate diagnosis but does not determine other factors that can affect the condition. For instance, if a doctor prescribes a medication to a patient but does ask the patient if they have any kinds of allergies. The doctor will be held for not following through properly with the patient.
The Diagnosis Is Missed Entirely
It is alarming how many diseases or illnesses are missed by doctors every single day. When a doctor informs a patient that they are healthy, when in fact there is something wrong, it creates serious health risks. If certain diseases or illness are left untreated, a patient could be a major risk.
The Condition or Disease is Unrecognized
This occurs when a doctor correctly identifies a disease; however, does not diagnosis another condition that the patient also has. In many cases, the unrecognized disease is somehow related to the diagnosed disease. Also, there are times when the patient also has an unrelated health problem that goes unnoticed because the doctor does not look past another health complication of the patient.
The Diagnosis Is Delayed
These types of diagnostic errors are extremely common in the United States. In some cases, a doctor’s diagnosis is accurate, but for whatever reason, he or she delays the process. When this happens, it may be too late to give the patient the same kind of medical attention they were in need of before.
Have You or a Loved One Suffered Injuries as a Result of Medical Malpractice? Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts settlements*. Please visit our website,www.410thefirm.com, for more information and follow us on Facebook,Twitter,Google +, and LinkedIn.