We trust our doctors to listen to our symptoms and figure out what’s wrong. From there, we follow their recommended treatment and can then start to heal and feel better. But sometimes, they may get the diagnosis wrong. Your real issue is left untreated. This can harm your health and wellbeing. If you’ve been through this experience, you may have legal options. First, let’s go over some signs and red flags of a misdiagnosis that was caused by negligence:
Your Condition Isn’t Improving
After meeting with your doctor and receiving their diagnosis, then you’re supposed to start treating the symptoms. This could be taking certain medications, following a special diet, or anything that your doctor recommends. But you find that your issue isn’t getting any better.
This is extremely discouraging and may lead you to question if your diagnosis was correct. But if you’re feeling unsure, you should remember that you are your best advocate. You can always ask your doctor if it’s possible for you to have another condition than the original one they diagnosed you with.
It’s also important to speak up because you may not be treating the real problem. You may have had weeks or months of dealing with pain or discomfort when a correct diagnosis could have you feeling better in a week. On the other side of that, if you have a more serious condition, it’s a risk to your health and wellbeing to not treat the problem and give it the opportunity to get worse.
You Can’t Seem to Communicate with Your Doctor
A doctor-patient relationship should be built on trust and respect. When it seems like you can’t get your point across to your doctor, it can be discouraging. You may feel like you’re trying to communicate your symptoms and that you’re not feeling better, and your doctor may cut you off or correct you because they already think they know your diagnosis.
There could also be situations where your doctor lets you explain what’s wrong, but then doesn’t seem to take your words into account. The key difference here is that they’re not listening and understanding what you’re saying, which can be frustrating.
However, you shouldn’t have to feel that way every time you visit your doctor. They should listen to what you’re saying and then use that to help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes, patients can have similar symptoms but have different problems. Doctors can’t assume that just because you’re feeling similar symptoms means you have a certain issue because they’ve had another patient like that in the past.
Your Doctor Isn’t Running Tests or Exams
When you go to the doctor and tell them about a problem, you probably expect to undergo some tests or some process to figure out the problem. If you feel that your doctor didn’t use the tools available to them or taking the time to figure out the issue.
Medication Isn’t Taken Into Account
Medication affects everyone differently. Someone’s other medical conditions and additional medication can also interact with a drug they’re taking. When medication is in the mix, it can be difficult to look at symptoms and issues that are happening because of these interactions. If your doctor seems to just be prescribing more and more medication, you may want to seek another doctor. They don’t seem to be getting to the root of the problem and just keep treating symptoms. The problem is, some of those confusing symptoms may be a result of all the medication.
You Get a Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion can be a refreshing option. You can start fresh with another doctor and see what conclusion they arrive at. If the second doctor gives you a different diagnosis, then this could be evidence that your first doctor misdiagnosed you.
Our Law Firm Can Help You
When a misdiagnosis has affected your life, you may feel upset at the wasted time and if the misdiagnosis has caused you pain and suffering. But it’s important to know that there is help out there for you. The lawyers from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC will stand by your side no matter what.
We have experience in all types of medical malpractice cases and will make sure your rights are protected. To get started on your case, give us a call today for an obligation-free consultation.
