Can a missed diagnosis cause life-threatening health problems?

When you experience unusual health challenges, and your doctor claims nothing is out of the norm, you might feel discouraged. Truthfully, if your body is not acting the way it normally would, something is amiss.

A missed or delayed diagnosis can have detrimental consequences for your health. When you understand the severity of this type of medical malpractice, you can better advocate for your well-being.

Recognizing the problem

The longer it takes to receive an accurate diagnosis, the longer it will be until you receive the help you need.  Without a correct diagnosis, you might also miss the opportunity to undergo critical tests which could identify abnormalities. You may also experience unnecessary treatments that cause more trauma to your body. During this time, your body is at a much higher risk of illness.

Preventing the problem

When you go to your doctor to address your symptoms, you will want to bring information with you about your condition. This includes a complete health history, a list of any prescriptions or drugs you currently take, a timeline of your symptoms and any other applicable information.

One way to prevent a missed or delayed diagnosis is to seek a second opinion when you experience serious health abnormalities. According to U.S. News, a second opinion can provide clarity and peace of mind.

A delayed or misdiagnosis is a form of medical malpractice. The outcome can jeopardize your safety and quality of life. You have the right to advocate for your health even if it means taking action against your healthcare provider.