Failure to diagnose a medical condition can lead to harm

When you go to the emergency room, you believe you will receive the right diagnosis and treatment for your symptoms. Ohio residents, however, should be aware that nearly 1 out of 18 people going to an emergency room for care will receive the wrong diagnosis.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services releases startling report

A new report released by the federal Health and Human Services department states that over 7.4 million misdiagnoses occur annually in the United States. The study used data from the last twenty years to develop this figure. Sadly, this high rate is comparable to misdiagnoses at a doctor’s office or other medical facilities.

The leading medical conditions misdiagnosed were stroke, heart attack, aortic aneurysm, venous thromboembolism (blood clot), and spinal cord compression or injuries. Stroke was misdiagnosed the most when people reported symptoms of dizziness or vertigo as part of their other symptoms. Stroke was the most often misdiagnosed medical condition which may be due to the variety of different symptoms that people experience.

Misdiagnosis can lead to additional harm to the patient

Misdiagnosed patients do not receive the care they need for their medical condition. Delayed treatment can lead to extensive harm, if not death. Sadly, these patients could have been helped if they had received proper care. Medical negligence of malpractice includes misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis that causes harm to the patient.

If you believe that you have been misdiagnosed at a hospital, medical facility, or by physician, you are encouraged to seek a second opinion. Getting a second opinion might help you get the medical attention you need without further delay and save you from further suffering or harm.