Limiting the Risks of Medical Misdiagnosis

Medical misdiagnosis is a common reason for medical malpractice lawsuits.

A doctor may give a wrong or limited diagnosis of the medical condition of a patient, resulting in severe complications. Our St. Louis medical malpractice attorney informs us that doctors are not the only ones who can make mistakes; other medical professionals may also be held liable for misdiagnosing the medical condition of a patient.

The Prevalence of Medical Malpractice

The medical community accepts the prevalence of medical malpractice. The Journal of the American Medical Association study revealed that around 15 percent of doctors make medical mistakes. One reason for this could be the limited time doctors spend with their patients. The reports have revealed that the average time spent on doctor-patient interactions is only around seven minutes.

Medical misdiagnosis cases are not just reported against private doctors, but are equally prevalent among emergency doctors who have to attend to a large number of patients. Since the interaction between the doctor and patient is limited, it is not surprising that essential details in the medical condition get neglected.

Limiting the Risks of Medical Misdiagnosis

1. Seek a second opinion

Doctors are human and can make mistakes. A doctor may make the error called confirmation bias. This means a doctor may form beliefs and accept only that part of information which conforms to their beliefs. In doing so, a doctor may ignore some important aspects that may help lead to a correct diagnosis. So, it is important to seek a second opinion if the patient’s condition does not improve even after starting on the treatment.

2. Research

In our modern day world, patients have access to all kinds of information. A patient can make a list of symptoms and look for the medical issues associated with the condition on the internet. A large number of websites provide reliable information, which helps patients to have a better idea about their medical condition. However, it should be noted that some websites may furnish incorrect information as well. But if different sources are offering the same information about a particular condition, it may be in your best interest to speak to a doctor. Since the patient has researched about the condition prior to the consultation, the patient can make the most of the time spent with the doctor.

3. Consult with an Attorney

Medical misdiagnosis may lead to serious injuries because of the delay in treatment. Heart attacks, strokes, and similar serious medical conditions are among the medical conditions that are commonly misdiagnosed. These conditions may continue to worsen if they are not diagnosed properly. Failure to treat the condition in time can even cause the death of a patient.