Missed Diagnosis vs. Misdiagnosis

Doctor and nurse comforting patient

Throughout our lives, we will go to the doctor for a multitude of reasons. Whether it’s a yearly check-up or experiencing concerning symptoms, we put faith in our healthcare professionals that they will properly diagnose us—but sometimes that’s not the case.

It’s common for doctors to make diagnostic errors in the United States. In fact, around 12 million people are affected by a medical diagnostic error every year. This includes missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses. We know you’re probably wondering, “Is there even a difference?” and the answer is yes.

What is a Misdiagnosis?

Misdiagnosis happens when a patient is incorrectly diagnosed with an illness or condition. This typically happens due to incorrect medical testing, lack of consideration of other possible diagnoses, and the misinterpretation of test results. Due to a misdiagnosis, a patient may receive unnecessary medical treatments or be denied treatment for the actual condition they have.

What is a Missed Diagnosis?

A missed diagnosis happens when a patient’s illness or condition is not diagnosed at all. A missed diagnosis happens the same way a misdiagnosis happens—through negligence. If a condition does not get diagnosed promptly, it can lead to medical complications, severe stages of the condition, and even death. A missed diagnosis and a misdiagnosis can cause financial hardship and emotional distress down the road.

Facing a Missed Diagnosis or a Misdiagnosis?

While doctors may make mistakes, they should still be held accountable. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys can launch a full investigation into your missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis to prove that your injuries directly resulted from the medical professional's negligence. If you’re interested in filing a claim or have questions in regards to a medical malpractice lawsuit, do not hesitate to reach out to the Grewal Law PLLC team.

Call us today at (888) 211-5798 or visit our website to fill out a consultation request form.

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