Medical Malpractice Attorney in San Francisco, California
What are some reasons doctors fail to make a proper diagnosis?
What are some reasons doctors fail to make a proper diagnosis?
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Failure to diagnose often occurs when physicians deviate from the diagnostic algorithms they are trained to follow. These algorithms are instilled early in medical school and refined during residency and fellowship programs. Over the years, it has been observed that many failure-to-diagnose cases happen when a doctor steps off track from these established protocols.
While medicine is not an exact science, it involves a lot of science, and sometimes physicians, for various reasons, fail to properly follow these diagnostic steps. A comparison can be made to airline travel: every time a plane takes off, the pilot runs through every system and algorithm, checking redundant systems to ensure everything is working properly. This rigorous process is why plane crashes are rare. However, in medicine, such thoroughness is sometimes lacking, leading to misdiagnoses, lawsuits, and ultimately settlements or jury verdicts.
San Francisco, CA medical malpractice attorney Jeff Mitchell discusses some reasons doctors fail to make a proper diagnosis. In cases of failure to diagnose, healthcare providers sometimes deviate from established diagnostic algorithms that they are trained in from early in their medical education. These algorithms are based on sound medical science and are designed to guide physicians in reaching accurate diagnoses. However, over the years, it has become apparent that many failure-to-diagnose cases occur when physicians diverge from these established algorithms for various reasons.
An analogy that often comes to mind is that of airline travel. Pilots meticulously check every system and run through various algorithms and safety checks before a plane takes off. This rigorous adherence to protocols contributes to the safety of air travel. Similarly, in medicine, following diagnostic pathways and protocols is crucial. However, there are instances when healthcare providers fail to do so, leading to cases of misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and, subsequently, medical malpractice lawsuits, settlements, and jury verdicts.
