Discovering that you've been given an incorrect medical diagnosis can be disconcerting. A wrong or missed diagnosis can prevent you from getting the medical care you need. In some instances, this may be grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Here are a few signs it might be time to visit another doctor and potentially contact an attorney.

How to Tell if You Were Misdiagnosed 

1. The Doctor Failed to Gather Essential Information

Diagnosing a patient requires doctors to gather both first-hand and second-hand information. Examples of first-hand information could include a physical exam, blood work, and scans. Meanwhile, second-hand information — facts reported by the patient — could consist of personal medical history, family history, and current medications. 

It's up to the doctor to solicit this information. If they fail to proactively get all the essential details they can — for example, if they decide a blood test isn't necessary although the patient's symptoms suggest it would be useful — they may miss a diagnosis.

2. Your Symptoms Could Indicate a Diversity of Conditions

Different illnesses can share the same symptoms. For example, abdominal pain could indicate anything from a ruptured appendix to a gastrointestinal virus. 

A more serious example could be confusing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis with signs of lupus. Again, it's your physician's job to do the investigative work necessary to differentiate such cases.

3. Your Treatment Isn't Working

If a doctor diagnoses you with an illness, they'll likely prescribe a care plan, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, rehabilitation, and other treatments. If your symptoms don't improve, you may have experienced a flawed diagnosis. 

In this case, it's often best to seek a second opinion. If another doctor comes up with a different diagnosis, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

If you've been misdiagnosed by a doctor and are interested in pursuing a medical malpractice claim, consult Egan & Richgels, S.C., of La Crosse, WI. This law firm gives each client the time and attention they deserve, providing an honest assessment of the case, answering questions, and offering regular updates about progress. Learn more about their attorneys online. For a consultation regarding a potential medical malpractice claim, call (608) 784-0087.