Unfortunately, misdiagnosis is a common occurrence in the medical field. A doctor might mistake one disease or condition for another, simply because the symptoms can be similar or the same in the early stages. But other times, the symptoms you are experiencing point directly to a condition that your doctor fails to recognize.
When a misdiagnosis leads to unnecessary surgery or ineffective treatment, your health can decrease rapidly if you don’t receive the treatment you need.
What counts as misdiagnosis?
When a doctor mistakes your medical condition for something else, a misdiagnosis occurs. There are many commonly misdiagnosed conditions, and if your doctor does not catch a misdiagnosis soon enough, it can lead to severe — and even life-threatening — problems. Several causes can lead to a misdiagnosis, including:
- Inexperience
- Incorrectly reading lab results
- Not consulting with a patient about symptoms
- Failure to determine cause of symptoms
- Not considering all possible diseases or conditions
Regardless of whether your misdiagnosis was intentional, if a doctor’s negligence leads to a misdiagnosis serious enough to harm you or cause further suffering, your misdiagnosis may be serious enough for you to sue.
Steps to take after a misdiagnosis
Not only can a misdiagnosis pose a dangerous threat to your health, but it can also affect your mental, emotional and financial well-being. If you have growing concerns that your doctor misdiagnosed you, trust your instincts. Many people feel that it is not their place to question a doctor’s assessments. But when your health is at stake, it’s crucial that you speak out.
If you believe something is wrong, check in with your doctor. However, if you feel they aren’t listening to you, you might benefit from seeking a second opinion from another physician or specialist.
Under the care of a negligent doctor, your whole life could change. If you are the victim of a serious misdiagnosis, seeking support can help you protect your health and prevent further negligent care from reaching other patients in need of a proper diagnosis.