Avoiding Misdiagnosis
While misdiagnosis is always a threat when visiting the doctor with the fear that you have a serious medical problem, misidentification of some diseases is more common than others. Sometimes the wrong tests may be run, or details of test results may be overlooked. Occasionally, doctors are simply overconfident that they know what is causing certain symptoms.
One study showed that the 5 most commonly misdiagnosed medical issues are: aortic dissection; cancer (particularly breast and colorectal); clogged arteries; heart attack; and infection. If you have visited a doctor but are not satisfied with the way your diagnosis was handled, you may want to seek a second opinion. If misdiagnosis has caused you serious harm or suffering, you may want to consider pursuing a malpractice lawsuit.
How to Avoid Misdiagnosis
With the potentially grave consequences that accompany misdiagnosis of a serious disease, it is important that people learn what they can do to avoid the misidentification of a health problem. If you have doubts about a diagnosis you have received, remember to:
- Request more or different tests.
- Ask what other conditions might produce the same symptoms.
- Avoid assuming that the information you give one doctor will be shared with another.
- Get a second opinion, perhaps from a specialist.
Even though physicians have a responsibility to make all efforts to keep their patients healthy, you must take active action to be sure your health is being properly assessed.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has suffered due to misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation. Call 215-238-1130 to contact Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.