Avoiding a Misdiagnosis Could Save Your Life

1 out of 4 patients receives the wrong diagnosis. The results of that wrong diagnosis could cause you to receive inappropriate treatment and could result in a lifelong injury or even death. Misdiagnoses can occur in a variety of ways, including inappropriately ordered lab work, improper charting, wrong medical diagnosis, and failure to report results. Luckily, there are ways you can avoid a misdiagnosis and potentially save your life.

Find the Right Doctor

The main way to avoid a misdiagnosis is to locate the right doctor for your problem. While a general practitioner is best for normal ailments, when you have a serious or chronic illness, it is wise to speak to a specialist. A doctor who specializes in your symptoms and your illness can alert you to any mistakes and can avoid misdiagnoses.

Be a Proactive Patient

Seattle patients need to speak up when they are sick. If you feel you are not being taken care of or if you have questions concerning your illness, it is always a good idea to voice your concerns. If you feel that you are not being heard or that your concerns are not being addressed, ask another physician or nurse until you receive the explanation or the treatment you need. If your doctor orders tests or lab work to be done, be sure to ask for an explanation of those tests and the reason for ordering them. Also, call back when the results are in to be sure your results are appropriately reported.

Get a Second Opinion

When you receive a diagnosis, it is always wise to have that diagnosis confirmed by another doctor. This is especially important for critical diagnoses, such as cancer, heart disease, or chronic debilitating disorders. Second opinions also offer you the chance to ask more questions, understand the disease process a bit better, and double check the results of lab work, EKGs, and MRIs.

Contact a Seattle Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you received a misdiagnosis and this caused you to receive inappropriate treatment or caused a lifelong chronic disability, it is important to consult with a Seattle medical malpractice attorney immediately. Your attorney will be able to review your case thoroughly to determine if medical malpractice was to blame for your misdiagnosis.

Seattle Medical Malpractice Attorneys

If you or someone you love was injured through the negligence of a physician or medical personnel, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. The Seattle medical malpractice attorneys at the Phillips Law Firm can help. Our attorneys have successfully represented individuals in medical malpractice cases in Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, Bellevue, and throughout the State of Washington. To learn more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle medical malpractice attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.