According to the Department of Health and Human Service’s National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), there were almost 400,000 medical malpractice adverse reactions from 2004 to 2014. Medical malpractice is a serious legal and health issue that can be identified through the following four tell-tale signs.
Non-Standard Care
Western medicine is highly categorized, organized and systematized. There are always standard procedures for every ailment or condition. If a health care provider fails to order normal tests, this is a warning sign of medical practice. This also applies if they fail to order additional tests or re-order tests with unclear results. However, certain health care providers skip tests and provide a diagnosis based on their experience. While this will be accurate in most cases, it is still sub-standard care. Keep in mind that a medical diagnosis should not be based on a singular result, but on multiple consistent tests.
Poor Communication
The government has decreed that health care patients have various rights. Not only do patients have the right to receive standard care, but they also have the right to be properly informed about their condition. For example, this includes treatment options, health statistics and lifestyle and dietary restrictions. However, doctors may fail to inform their patients of care information that is critical to their health and wellness.
For instance, a doctor may be reluctant to discuss an innovative surgery technique because there are known risks that might harm their surgery statistics or result in a lawsuit. If you suspect your doctor committed malpractice, Bachus & Schanker Law and similar specialty law firms can help you get your just compensation.
Delayed Diagnosis
Even worse than poor communication, a delayed diagnosis can be deadly. Medical procrastination means that by the time the patient receives the information, the illness or disease may have already spread to a point that the patient will need drastic measures, such as invasive surgery. Effective treatment depends on timely communication about critical diagnostic results. To illustrate, a doctor may simply delegate the task to a subordinate, forget about it and then go on to the next patient.
The Condition Does Not Improve
Effective and competent doctors naturally become more alarmed as their suggested treatment options fail to stabilize or reduce medical problems. This normally triggers additional in-depth testing and referrals to different departments. For example, a family care doctor who cannot stop a skin rash should automatically refer the patient to see a dermatology specialist.
However, if the diagnosis is wrong at the beginning, then any treatment will be ineffective, whether it be pills or surgery. In fact, these incorrect treatment plans may exacerbate the situation and harm the patient.
In the end, doctors who fail to provide timely and accurate information with their patients will result in deleterious effects down the road. Anyone who suspects they are the victim of medical malpractice should consult with an attorney.
Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
