Diagnostic errors are critical, as they can worsen a condition that could have been treated if correctly diagnosed earlier. Cases of patients being diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer, life-threatening complications of diabetes and so forth due to diagnostic errors have been reported.
Below are three examples of errors related to diagnosis that some physicians make:
1. Delayed diagnosis
Delayed diagnosis is when a diagnosis is not made earlier. Cancer is among the leading diseases that are diagnosed late.
2. Incorrect diagnosis
Misdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis is another issue. For example, a physician can diagnose a patient with Type 2 diabetes instead of Type 1. Other examples are:
- Heart attack can be mistaken for acid reflux, panic attack, indigestion or pulmonary embolism
- Lyme disease is usually misdiagnosed as summer flu, fibromyalgia or arthritis
- Pulmonary embolism can be misdiagnosed as asthma, bronchitis, heart attack or pneumonia
- Seizures, migraine and infectious diseases that affect the brain are commonly misdiagnosed as stroke
Misdiagnosis typically occurs between diseases that have similar symptoms. Doctors must order all the necessary tests and read test results competently to provide the correct diagnosis.
3. Missed diagnosis
A missed diagnosis is when a patient’s condition is not diagnosed at all – the physician is aware of the patient’s complaints but never explains the condition. This diagnostic error commonly involves patients with chronic fatigue or pain.
A missed diagnosis can be discovered when a patient changes doctors or, in some cases, during autopsy.
All these diagnostic errors can lead to serious consequences, including worsening of a condition and financial hardship. If you believe you or your loved one has experienced any diagnostic errors, seek legal guidance to protect your rights.
