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3 Things You Can Do As a Patient to Help Prevent Misdiagnosis

Feb 23, 2021 | Firm News, Misdiagnosis

As a patient, you might feel helpless when it comes to diagnosing your condition. Without formal training in the medical field, an undiagnosed ailment can be very difficult to live with.

However, there are some steps you can take to help yourself avoid a misdiagnosis. Here are three things you can do:

#1 – Ask All Questions You Have—Even the “Stupid” Ones

Even if you think a question is stupid—ask the physician treating you anyways. Don’t hold back any questions you have out of fear of sounding ignorant.

A good physician will never make you feel dumb for not knowing certain things about your health or your body. Similarly, no two answers will be the same.

Additionally, doctors are often given a better, clearer understanding of your ailment when you ask the “unimportant” questions.

#2 – Provide All the Details About Your Symptoms

It’s important to make sure your doctor has all the details about your symptoms, including any afflictions you believe are unrelated. Be sure to answer the “what, where, when, and how often” questions (even if your doctor doesn’t ask them).

Be sure to explain when your symptoms occur, when they go away, what alleviates the symptoms, and what exacerbates them. If you’re in pain, describe the sensation properly. Is the pain stabbing, throbbing, or dull? Does it occur only when you perform certain activities? Do your best to be thorough.

#3 – Make Connections With Your Physician(s)

Don’t be afraid to build a connection with your physician(s). It’s in your best interest to do the following so that your doctor has a good idea of what you and your family’s medical history looks like:

  • Share your family history of illness
  • Take the time to understand your test results
  • Ask any and all questions
  • Ask your doctor to explain the thought process behind the diagnosis

If you have been injured as a result of a misdiagnosis, you may be owed compensation. Our attorneys are highly skilled in this area of the law and have helped many other people in similar situations. Let us see if we can help you, too.

Contact our medical malpractice attorneys at Garau Germano, P.C. today by calling to discuss the details of your case.

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