Commonly misdiagnosed illnesses

Getting a diagnosis of an illness or injury is the first step in getting the care you need, but it is also the most crucial. When one out of every three misdiagnoses can have severe or fatal consequences, you want to be sure you are advocating for the treatment you deserve. Some illnesses are more susceptible to misdiagnoses than others regarding medical malpractice.

Which illnesses can appear to be something else?

When multiple illnesses share symptoms, it can be challenging to know what to look for in an accurate diagnosis. Some of the more challenging illnesses include:

• Parkinson’s
• Lupus
• Multiple sclerosis
• Lyme disease
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Celiac disease

Despite how hard it may be to identify some illnesses, a doctor’s responsibility is to provide the correct diagnosis. The wrong diagnosis can lead to setbacks with your treatment or even exacerbate symptoms.

When misread test results, faulty testing equipment, and inexperience cause a misdiagnosis, it may qualify as medical malpractice.

The cost of malpractice

Medical malpractice is an especially dangerous thing for patients. The longer someone goes without an accurate diagnosis, the longer it takes to get the treatment they need. The longer it takes to get the proper treatment, the worse their condition can grow, leading to permanent damage or even death. Time is a critical factor in any medical situation, and waiting for the correct diagnosis is not something everyone can afford.

It pays to get a second opinion

While most medical professionals have the experience and skill to diagnose you accurately, do not take chances with your health. Many illnesses may disguise themselves as something else, so play it safe and get a second opinion before pursuing treatment. It can be difficult to know whether incompetence crossed over to medical malpractice, but a qualified attorney can help you make that call.