April 13, 2012 (Press-News.org) For patients and their families, there are few areas in medicine more frustrating and unnerving than the issue of a misdiagnoses. To have availed themselves of the best modern medicine has to offer, and still suffer the bad result of a diagnostic error, seems supremely unfair, especially if it results in their death, leaving their family with the consolation of a wrongful death suit.
Doctors are Not Infallible
A recent study points out that 47 percent of doctors encounter diagnostic errors in the practice at least monthly. And these errors are not without consequence, as 64 percent say that up to 10 percent of the observed errors "directly result in patient harm."
Almost all of the clinicians in the study (96 percent) felt that diagnostic errors are preventable some of the time.
When You Need a Second Opinion
Not all diagnoses require a second opinion. Many diagnoses are sufficiently obvious that they are unlikely to done in error or result in harm. However, one doctor, Hardeep Sigh, who is the author of several studies of diagnostic errors suggest some areas deserve a second review.
In the Wall Street Journal's Health Blog, areas for concern include soft tissue cancer, bladder and prostate, gynecologic malignancies, lung and colon cancers, and brain tumors.
When Experts Disagree
These areas are prone to variability from specialists, and often the dangerous consequence to a patient resulting from an undiagnosed or misdiagnosed cancer, the importance of having a second review is heightened.
Of course, there is no guarantee that the second opinion will be correct, but a second set of eyes increases the chance that unusual presentations may be caught. Areas where diagnoses and treatment decisions are difficult, a second review can also help with patient understanding, allow them to more fully understand the range of treatment options.
Defensive Medicine
Many tests and some treatment are done purely to create protect the doctor in the case of a malpractice lawsuit. A second opinion might be a more cost effective strategy, saving the patient both the expense and discomfort of the test.
If you have questions about your treatment, ask them. If you find the answers unsatisfactory, get a second opinion. And if you are injured by some treatment or lack of treatment, speak with an attorney.
Article provided by Davis Law Firm
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Doctors and Second Opinions: In Some Cases, It Is Your Best Option
A study reports that almost half of doctors surveyed find diagnostic errors every month. Some of those errors result in patient harm, suggesting the need for second opinions with some diagnoses.
2012-04-13
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[Press-News.org] Doctors and Second Opinions: In Some Cases, It Is Your Best OptionA study reports that almost half of doctors surveyed find diagnostic errors every month. Some of those errors result in patient harm, suggesting the need for second opinions with some diagnoses.