Experiencing a misdiagnosis can be deeply unsettling, even if you are fortunate enough to suffer no lasting harm as a result of the mistake.
Beyond the initial shock of receiving an incorrect diagnosis, there can follow a number of negative consequences impacting your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Understanding what a misdiagnosis is, how these errors may happen, and what you can do if you are affected allows you to properly respond to this situation if it ever happens to you.
Article Contents
Delayed Treatment & Unnecessary Interventions
One of the most problematic aspects of a misdiagnosis is that it prevents the patient from getting proper care for their underlying condition.
When a patient is misdiagnosed, there are two likely short-term outcomes:
- The patient receives minimal or no care, as their condition is assumed to be less serious than it actually is
- The patient receives care for an incorrect condition, which does not treat their underlying injury or illness and can even cause additional health problems
In some cases, patients may undergo unnecessary procedures, receive unneeded medications, or go through excessive surgeries that can have serious side effects and health risks.
These interventions will almost certainly not treat the patient’s illness and may even cause worse harm.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of unnecessary care due to a misdiagnosis, you may find it beneficial to speak to a medical malpractice attorney in Portland.
They have the experience and skill to seek justice for the harm you suffered due to a negligent medical error.
The Emotional & Psychological Impact of a Misdiagnosis
A misdiagnosis can put tremendous strain on a person’s mental health. Living with uncertainty about the cause of one’s pain or illness can cause fear, anxiety, stress, and frustration.
The process of seeking a correct diagnosis can be exhausting, particularly if a patient must seek multiple medical opinions or go through many rounds of invasive testing.
In many cases, experiencing a misdiagnosis is enough to shake a person’s confidence in the healthcare system as a whole.
If a patient feels as though they have been ignored or had their condition mismanaged, they may feel less trust towards both their doctor and the medical system as an entity.
What Is The Financial Impact Of A Misdiagnosis?
In addition to impacting a patient’s emotional health, a misdiagnosis can be quite costly as well.
Unnecessary medical tests, treatments, and procedures connected to the errant diagnosis increase the financial burden on the patient and their family.
Even with insurance, medications can be expensive and the costs may quickly mount up.
In many cases, a misdiagnosis can also directly lead to a loss of income. Prolonged illness, disability caused by the underlying condition, or time spent seeking additional medical opinions can limit a person’s ability to work regular hours and make a living.
Chronic Conditions & Long-term Effects
In some cases, a misdiagnosis can impact a person’s life on a day-to-day basis. A delayed or incorrect diagnosis can allow an illness to progress to the level of a chronic health condition or disability.
These conditions limit a patient’s ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed. The long-term consequences of a misdiagnosis may extend beyond the immediate impact of a misdiagnosis on a person’s health.
The emotional and financial strain can cause significant problems and the entire experience can cause a person to worry about future medical problems.
When Is A Misdiagnosis Considered Medical Malpractice?
In some situations, a misdiagnosis may be so significant that it falls within the category of medical malpractice.
If a healthcare provider misdiagnoses a patient because they deviated from the accepted standard of care, the victim may have grounds to take legal action against the doctor or hospital responsible for the error.
While we generally trust doctors to be experts in the field of medicine and need to rely on their judgment at times, it’s important to ask questions and advocate for yourself.
You should never feel afraid to ask questions, seek a second opinion, or request additional testing if you feel uncertain or uncomfortable about a diagnosis.
You may even consider supporting organizations that focus on improved diagnostic accuracy and patient safety, as doing so can generate positive results in the healthcare system.
Moving Forward After A Diagnostic Error
If not promptly caught and corrected, a misdiagnosis can have a significant impact on your life.
However, by taking an active role in your healthcare and staying aware of the possibility of a misdiagnosis, you reduce your chances of experiencing a diagnostic error.
If you ever have concerns about a diagnosis you received, bring them to your doctor or seek a second opinion as soon as possible.
We hope this article helps you receive the timely, efficient medical care you deserve in the future!
