The high rate of deaths attributed to misdiagnoses in medicine could be addressed if the problem was more accurately reported, according to a new study.vvAccording to the research, published in the British Medical Journal of Quality and Safety, shows that diagnostic error is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for between 40,000 to 80,000 deaths per year, accounting for roughly 10-15 percent of diagnoses. The research and compilation methods that measure misdiagnosis, however, are flawed, which keeps experts and medical officials from being able to accurately address the problem.
Methods to assess a misdiagnosed illness or ailment now include autopsies, case reviews, malpractice claims, and various other procedures; however, the study suggests that new approaches to ensure a clear record of incorrectly-identified medical problems could include more detailed reports from both doctors and patients, as well as the expanded use and review of electronic medical records. In short, the problems with medical diagnostics can only be fully addressed if the data are properly compiled and reviewed.
If you’ve been injured due to a doctor’s misdiagnosis, you should speak to an experienced VA personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An injury attorney will be able to help you recover the compensation necessary to defray medical costs, lost wages and other financial concerns in the event of a medical malpractice event. Our law firm has been handling malpractice cases for years.