People in Georgia should understand that even common diseases are often misdiagnosed. In fact, the so-called “Big Three” of infections, cancers and vascular events are the most frequently missed diagnoses. There are several reasons for this, and researchers are investigating it. The goal is to find out why this happens and how to make diagnoses more correct and effective with time.
The Big Three
Many patients present with one of the Big Three conditions. However, doctors and other medical providers still mistake these symptoms for other disorders very frequently. This is a big problem. When patients are misdiagnosed or diagnosed late, it can affect their chances for a full recovery. In fact, incorrect diagnoses of the Big Three disorders can result in death or serious disability as much as 50% of the time.
When it comes to the Big Three, it’s important to remember that these are broad categories. For example, the cancers and infections that are most misdiagnosed are also the least common ones. Even when it comes to vascular disorders, it can be difficult for clinicians to get the diagnosis right on the first try. Symptoms like arm pain or chest pain can be related to many conditions.
Recently, organizations like the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine have been studying this issue. They helped to assemble the Coalition to Improve Diagnosis, which involves over 50 organizations in the medical field. Together, they’re compiling data and finding ways to get more accurate diagnoses earlier.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a missed diagnosis, it may be a good idea to talk to a lawyer. An experienced medical malpractice law attorney may help you determine if you have a claim. If you are entitled to damages, an attorney may be able to help you collect them.