Failure to Order Appropriate Medical Tests

Advances in the medical field today provide a full range of diagnostic testing that can catch many diseases in the early stages and prevent worsening conditions. Cancer, heart problems and many other diseases are treatable, and patients suffering from these conditions, once treated, can live normal and fulfilling lives. However, a New York doctor’s failure to order appropriate medical tests often stands in the way of receiving effective diagnosis and treatment. When a doctor’s failure to diagnose falls below acceptable medical standards, you may be able to sue for damages. At Rich & Rich, P.C., our New York City lawyers work closely with clients to help them pursue medical malpractice lawsuits.

Facts about failures to order appropriate medical tests

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that the combination of the failure to order tests, reports results to patients and follow through with treatment for abnormal test findings are the leading cause of diagnostic errors. The study reported that the most common missed or delayed diagnosis is for the following:

  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Drug reactions
  • Overdose
  • Lung cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Acute coronary syndrome
  • Heart attack
  • Breast cancer
  • Stroke

Most diagnostic errors occurred in testing — either the failure to order, report or follow up on testing results. Many tests are available, such as x-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography) scans, CT (computed tomography) scans, tissue biopsies and others. Specialists typically use biopsy samples to confirm certain types of cancer.

How does the failure to order testing occur?

A failure to order testing often results from errors in recognizing the severity of the patient's illness or failure to consider a possible type of illness and therefore not ordering a test for it. Inadequate follow-up of an abnormal imaging test result is another leading error along with erroneously assigning a symptom to another existing diagnosis. Whatever the reason, when it is a departure from accepted medical standards that a reasonable physician would use, it can result in a failure to diagnose. An experienced lawyer can help determine whether evidence supports bringing a lawsuit.

Experienced lawyers can help you take legal action

By taking legal action, you can recover compensation to help cover medical costs and also prevent other patients from being subjected to similar errors. Our New York City lawyers at Rich & Rich have extensive experience handling medical malpractice cases. Don’t wait. Contact Rich & Rich, P.C. today!

We are conveniently located in Manhattan at 1430 Broadway, Suite 1802, New York, NY  10018