When you feel sick, the doctor’s role is to figure out what ails you and help fix it. What happens if the doctor dismisses you and your symptoms, writing it off as something non-medical? In some instances, this may lead to severe repercussions.
A delay in treatment may lead to the progression of a serious medical condition. Since a failure to diagnose falls squarely on the doctor’s shoulders, it is crucial that you understand what all this entails.
Why does a doctor fail to diagnose an illness?
Some illnesses may come with a barrage of symptoms, while others do not. Many times, signs of one ailment align with another. The key is what the doctor does in response to your complaints. A failure to diagnose often lies in a doctor’s inaction. When the medical standard indicates that you need to undergo further testing to find the cause of your symptoms, and the doctor does not follow this protocol, you may not receive a diagnosis.
What is a delay in treatment?
The more you return to the doctor with the same or worsening symptoms, the more damage is happening to your body. Some illnesses, such as cancer, may spread to other areas in the body if not caught early enough. A delay in treatment, therefore, may mean the difference between life and death in some circumstances.
The most important thing you can do for your health and well-being is to become an advocate for yourself. This may mean visiting multiple doctors to receive a diagnosis and get the proper treatment. When a doctor does not take the proper action to get your health in better shape, it may rise to medical malpractice.
