The Scary Truth Behind Diagnostic Errors

Posted on December 09, 2015 by Shapiro Law Group

Doctors rely on a wide array of tests, technologies and staff to help diagnose patients with medical conditions. However, sometimes these tests are inaccurate and patients can be misdiagnosed. In some cases, diagnostic errors can lead to delayed treatment, pain and death.

What can happen to patients unfortunate enough to experience diagnostic errors? A recent article in the Huffington Post can provide insight into how patients can experience an enormous amount of suffering.

In the article, the author describes the years of pain she experienced due to doctors being unable to diagnose her with IgG4, an autoimmune disease. Doctors misdiagnosed her with sickle cell anemia, high blood pressure, diabetes and other health conditions. As a result, she was told to take several medications and undergo treatments that caused organ damage, hair loss, strokes, joint damage and other painful health conditions.

Unfortunately, diagnostic errors are very commonplace in hospitals around the country. Kaiser Health News suggests 10 to 20 percent of cases are misdiagnosed. This would make diagnostic errors one of the most common medical mistakes. Some patients lose their lives from diagnostic errors. According to Johns Hopkins University, diagnostic errors cause 160,000 deaths or permanent injuries in the U.S. every year.

How Can Hospitals Prevent Diagnostic Errors?

There are several ways hospitals, doctors and patients can avoid the turmoil caused by diagnostic errors. The Institute of Medicine has suggested improving communication protocols among hospital staff, doctors, patients and families. Hospitals could also allow for greater transparency when errors are made so other health care professionals could avoid making the same mistakes.

Too many patients are losing their lives or suffering from diagnostic errors, and it is time hospitals made some positive changes.

Tags: HospitalSafety

What Our Clients Say

“My dad lost his fingers on one hand due to malpractice after a successful surgery that did not involve fingers. For months we were told it was because of debris in his blood. It was not. Mr. Shapiro and his associates were relentless in getting the medical records until the "missing" page was sent. Then they had the hard and arduous job of finding a doctor willing to testify. An informative video and audio with the doctor's testimony was presented. Case closed. Because of their due diligence, a satisfactory settlement was reached. Mr. Shapiro's law firm worked hard, were extremely thorough, professional, and kept in constant communication throughout the whole stressful ordeal. Mr. Shapiro still remembers my parents and keeps in touch with my mom, even after 15 years have passed. That alone is impressive.”

Patti A.

“The Shapiro Law Group represented our daughter, family, and reputation in winning our daughters case that was due to a catastrophic injury. We interviewed many lawyers and felt Mr. Shapiro would ultimately do what was best for our family. Being involved in a lawsuit is very difficult, emotional, and exhausting. If it weren’t for the Shapiro Law Group fighting for our daughter and family, I don’t know where we would be now. They are very thorough, knowledgeable, and know what needs to be done. Lawsuits can take a very long time, and we knew that Shapiro Law Group would not give up. They did whatever was necessary to help our daughter. We can’t thank Mr. Shapiro enough for all he has done for so many! During a very difficult situation in our lives, the Shapiro Law Group went above and beyond in guiding our family in helping our daughter. We would highly recommend this firm. Thank you,”

Stephanie P.

“Attorney Richard Shapiro was able to provide me with very knowledgeable and competent legal expertise to resolve my case.”

D. Harrison