Misdiagnosis medical mistakes are often preventable

Medical mistakes involving the misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a serious medical condition could be avoided in most situations.  A recent study concluded that the types of mistakes which often lead to serious harm for the patient usually involve errors which can be reduced through the exercise of due diligence.  

The study was published last month in the Annals of Internal Medicine.  The researchers found that the most common diagnosis errors occurred in office settings, usually involving simple mistakes by primary care physicians.

Records from medical malpractice lawsuits throughout the United States between 1984 and 2004 were evaluated for the study.  Researchers found that nearly 60% of misdiagnosis errors resulted in serious injury for the patient and 30% lead to death.

The preventable medical mistakes frequently involved the misdiagnosis of cancer.  The most common forms of cancer which were not properly diagnosed included breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

>>INFORMATION: Cancer misdiagnosis

Factors which were otten found to contribute to diagnosis errors  included:

• delays in requesting tests
• failure to follow up on adverse findings
• failure to recognize symptoms of the condition
• lack of knowledge
• failure to obtain an adequate history
• failure to complete a thorough physical examination
• incorrect interpretation of tests
• poor exercise of judgment
• memory lapses
• failure to follow through with recommendations or treatment plans
• incomplete information during the transfer of a patient from one doctor to another

The study recommended several simple changes which could reduce the frequency of cancer misdiagnosis and the failure to diagnose medical conditions.  Tools which could help physicians make better decisions and prevent serious harm for patients, include:

• increased use of diagnostic tests
• keeping electronic records
• better standards for making evaluations
• increased use of nurse practitioners to ensure follow up care actually occurs

At Saiontz & Kirk, our medical malpractice lawyers investigate lawsuits for failure to diagnose serious conditions and misdiagnosis of cancer.  Free consultations and claim evaluations are offered for individuals residing nationwide.  If you, a friend or family member suspect that a serious injury was caused by a medical mistake, our lawyers can review the circumstances to determine if the injury was preventable. 

>>INFORMATION: Misdiagnosis Lawsuits

To find out if you may be entitled to compensation, request a free claim evaluation.