When Does a Delayed Diagnosis Constitute Medical Malpractice?
Medical diagnosis is an art as well as a science. It is not always obvious or simple and it can take time and repeated testing. Failing to order proper tests, failing to promptly review test results, and failing to follow up on questionable results are all signs of medical negligence. While a general practitioner is usually the first doctor that a patient sees, if there are difficulties with a diagnosis, he or she should refer the patient to a specialist. If you were not able to get a referral to a specialist, or were sent to the wrong kind of specialist, you may have a medical malpractice claim. HMOs and health insurance companies can also be part of the challenge to getting a proper diagnosis. They may try to limit your doctor’s ability to order the tests necessary to identify kidney failure, liver failure, or cancer.
