How to Help Your Doctor Diagnose You More Accurately

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis are some of the top causes of medical error in the United States today. When injury or illness results or is made worse by the misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose, an inaccurate diagnosis can turn into medical malpractice.
The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority offers a number of recommendations for patients who want to help ensure they receive the correct diagnosis. Here are some of the suggestions they offer:

• Tell The Whole Story: Even things that seem minor or are not bothersome to you can point your doctor in the right direction for your diagnosis.
• Take Notes: Writing down a timeline, or a sentence or two about your symptoms each day, can help your doctor see the progression of your condition over time, which can aid in an accurate diagnosis.
• Keep Copies: Keep a file of your test results, discharge notes, and similar information. Medical records are not always transferred in a timely fashion or may not be complete; this way, you can hand a doctor the information they need.
• Don’t Minimize Complaints: You may have gotten into the habit of saying, “it’s not a big deal,” in order to get through your day. Your doctor, however, needs to know exactly how your symptoms impact your life. Don’t minimize your complaints, or your doctor may believe they are minimal.
• Bring a Friend: A trusted friend or family member can help you understand what your doctor is saying and keep track of details, especially if your condition is making it difficult for you to concentrate or remember.

Misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose, or delayed diagnosis can cause serious harm. If you’ve been injured by an incorrect or delayed diagnosis, don’t hesitate to talk to an experienced Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyer who can help you determine what happened and seek the compensation you need. Contact Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. to discuss your legal options today.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.