An accurate medical diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective healthcare. When healthcare providers correctly identify a patient’s condition, they can prescribe appropriate treatments that promote healing and prevent further complications. Conversely, a misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary or harmful treatments, exacerbating the patient’s condition and potentially causing irreversible harm. At Lupetin & Unatin, we have seen many cases in which a patient receives the wrong diagnosis and are dedicated to helping such patients and their families get answers, justice, and compensation for harm done.
Ways a Patient Can Be Misdiagnosed or Receive the Wrong Medical Treatment
Medical misdiagnosis and improper treatment can stem from a variety of factors, each posing serious risks to patient health. Below is a detailed breakdown of the different ways patients can be misdiagnosed or receive incorrect medical treatment, categorized by diagnostic errors, communication failures, systemic issues, and provider negligence.
Errors in Initial Diagnosis
Failure to Recognize Symptoms
A doctor may misinterpret or overlook key symptoms, mistaking a serious illness for a less critical condition. Example: A stroke being misdiagnosed as a migraine, delaying essential clot-busting treatment.
Anchoring Bias (Premature Conclusion)
The physician latches onto an initial diagnosis and disregards alternative possibilities. Example: Assuming a patient’s chest pain is due to acid reflux rather than considering a potential heart attack.
Over-Reliance on “Common” Diagnoses
Doctors sometimes rely too heavily on the most frequently seen conditions instead of considering rarer but serious illnesses. Examples: Recurrent abdominal pain being dismissed as IBS when it’s actually liver cancer, or a persistent cough being dismissed as COPID when it’s actually lung cancer.
Misinterpretation of Diagnostic Tests
Radiology Errors
Misreading X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds. Example: Failing to identify a tumor on a lung scan, delaying cancer treatment.
Laboratory Test Errors
Incorrect bloodwork interpretation or failure to order confirmatory tests. Example: Misinterpreting a blunted ACTH stimulation test and diagnosing adrenal insufficiency instead of Cushing’s syndrome.
False Negatives / False Positives
Some conditions may not show up in early tests, or tests can incorrectly indicate the presence of a disease. Example: A negative mammogram leading to a false sense of security despite the presence of breast cancer.
Systemic Failures Leading to Misdiagnosis
Incomplete Medical History
A provider may not take a full patient history, missing key risk factors. Example: A patient with a family history of blood clots presenting with severe headache may have venous sinus thrombosis but is instead diagnosed with a simple tension headache.
Inadequate Follow-Up
Doctors may not follow up on abnormal test results or reevaluate ineffective treatments. Example: A patient with persistent high blood sugar levels never being sent for an endocrinology consult, delaying a diabetes diagnosis.
Fragmented Care (Lack of Coordination)
Different specialists may not communicate effectively, leading to missed diagnoses. Example: A primary doctor refers a patient to a neurologist, but their report never reaches the primary doctor, leading to a critical missed diagnosis.
Errors Due to Physician Bias
Gender Bias
Women’s symptoms, particularly for conditions like heart disease, are more likely to be dismissed. Example: A woman with shortness of breath and nausea is told she has anxiety when she is actually experiencing a heart attack.
Age Bias
Younger and older patients may have their symptoms dismissed as minor or age-related. Example: An elderly patient’s confusion being attributed to dementia when it’s actually sepsis.
Racial and Socioeconomic Bias
Patients from marginalized communities may receive less thorough diagnostic workups. Example: A Black patient with severe pain being less likely to receive imaging for a bone fracture compared to a white patient.
Medication and Treatment Errors
Wrong Prescription
Patients receiving the wrong medication or dosage due to human error. Example: A nurse misreads a doctor’s order, giving 10 times the correct dose of a blood thinner.
Allergic Reactions or Contraindications
Providers fail to check for allergies or interactions with other medications. Example: A patient with a penicillin allergy being prescribed a related antibiotic, causing anaphylaxis.
Off-Label Use Without Proper Justification
Doctors prescribing medications for non-FDA-approved uses without proper evidence. Example: A physician prescribing antidepressants for chronic pain without confirming an underlying neurological condition.
Surgical and Procedural Errors
Wrong-Site Surgery
Surgery performed on the wrong body part or patient. Example: A patient scheduled for a left-knee replacement receiving surgery on the right knee.
Unnecessary Surgery
A misdiagnosis leading to a completely unnecessary operation. Example: Removing a gallbladder for persistent pain when the real cause was a spinal nerve issue.
Improperly Performed Procedures
Errors made during a procedure due to negligence or lack of skill. Example: A surgeon failing to properly clip the cystic artery during a gallbladder removal, leading to severe bleeding.
Failure to Act on Critical Information
Ignoring or Delaying Test Results
A delayed response to an abnormal test can allow conditions to worsen. Example: A lab test showing early kidney disease is not reviewed until the patient returns months later in renal failure.
Miscommunication Between Medical Staff
Results may be available, but if not properly conveyed, they go unnoticed. Example: A radiologist sees a suspicious lung nodule but fails to report it clearly to the treating physician.
Ignoring Patient Concerns
Patients reporting worsening symptoms but being dismissed or told to “wait and see.” Example: A patient repeatedly reporting severe leg pain after surgery but being ignored until a life-threatening blood clot forms.
Delays in Diagnosis
Insurance and Administrative Delays
Delays in authorizing tests or referrals leading to missed windows for treatment. Example: A patient needing an MRI for worsening headaches has to wait months due to insurance approvals, delaying a brain tumor diagnosis.
Failure to Order Time-Sensitive Tests
Some conditions require immediate testing to prevent severe harm. Example: A doctor failing to order an echocardiogram for a patient with severe shortness of breath, missing an aortic dissection.
Medical Conditions That Are Frequently Misdiagnosed or Treated Incorrectly, Leading to Severe Injuries or Death
Misdiagnosis or improper treatment of certain medical conditions can lead to severe complications, permanent disability, or death. Below is a detailed list of some of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions, their consequences, and why they are misdiagnosed.
Stroke
Why It’s Misdiagnosed:
- Early stroke symptoms can mimic migraines, vertigo, or simple intoxication.
- Younger patients are often misdiagnosed because stroke is associated with older adults.
- Atypical symptoms (such as confusion or nausea) in women can lead to delayed diagnosis of stroke.
Consequences of Misdiagnosis of Stroke:
- Delayed administration of tPA (clot-busting drug), which must be given within a few hours.
- Permanent neurological damage, paralysis, or death.
- Missed opportunity for mechanical thrombectomy, which can prevent disability if done early.
Sepsis
Why It’s Misdiagnosed:
- Initial symptoms of sepsis (fever, confusion, rapid breathing) resemble mild infections, dehydration, or even anxiety.
- Physicians may fail to order early blood cultures or lactate levels that may help identify sepsis.
- Inadequate response to worsening vital signs.
Consequences of Misdiagnosis of Sepsis:
- Septic shock, leading to multi-organ failure and death.
- Increased mortality due to delayed antibiotic treatment for sepsis.
- Prolonged hospitalization and long-term disabilities.
Meningitis
Why It’s Misdiagnosed:
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, stiff neck) can be mistaken for a viral infection.
- In infants, meningitis may be dismissed as simple irritability or feeding issues.
- Delayed lumbar puncture and antibiotic administration.
Consequences of Misdiagnosis of Meningitis:
- Rapid progression to brain swelling, seizures, and death.
- Permanent brain damage, hearing loss, or limb amputations due to sepsis.
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
Why It’s Misdiagnosed:
- Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue can be attributed to acid reflux, anxiety, or musculoskeletal pain.
- Women and younger patients often present with atypical symptoms (jaw pain, nausea, dizziness).
- Normal initial ECG results can create false reassurance.
Consequences of Misdiagnosis of a Heart Attack:
- Sudden cardiac death due to untreated coronary blockage.
- Heart failure from delayed treatment.
- Higher risk of recurrence and severe cardiac complications.
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Why It’s Misdiagnosed:
- Common symptoms of pulmonary embolism (shortness of breath, chest pain) resemble pneumonia, asthma, or muscle strain.
- Lack of D-dimer testing or CT pulmonary angiography in at-risk patients.
Consequences of Misdiagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism:
- Sudden cardiac arrest due to an undetected blood clot.
- Long-term pulmonary hypertension causing chronic breathlessness.
- Death if pulmonary embolism goes untreated with anticoagulation.
Aortic Dissection
Why It’s Misdiagnosed:
- Symptoms of Aortic Dissection (tearing chest pain, back pain) can mimic a heart attack or muscle strain.
- Failure to order CT angiography promptly.
- Younger patients with connective tissue disorders are often overlooked.
Consequences of Misdiagnosis of Aortic Dissection:
- Rupture of the aorta, leading to sudden death.
- Permanent organ damage due to blood supply disruption.
- Paralysis if spinal arteries are compromised.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Why It’s Misdiagnosed:
- Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy (abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding) resemble miscarriage or gastrointestinal issues.
- Failure to perform early ultrasound to confirm pregnancy location.
Consequences of Misdiagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy:
- Ruptured ectopic pregnancy, leading to hemorrhagic shock.
- Infertility due to fallopian tube damage.
- Death if internal bleeding is not recognized in time.
Appendicitis
Why It’s Misdiagnosed:
- Early symptoms of appendicitis are vague (mild abdominal pain, nausea).
- Can be confused with gastroenteritis, ovarian cysts, or constipation.
- Atypical presentations, especially in children and the elderly.
Consequences of Misdiagnosis of Appendicitis:
- Ruptured appendix, leading to sepsis.
- Prolonged hospital stay due to peritonitis.
- Long-term complications like abdominal adhesions.
Cancer (Various Types)
Why It’s Misdiagnosed:
- Early-stage cancer symptoms can be nonspecific (fatigue, weight loss, pain).
- Failure to order appropriate imaging or biopsies.
- Over-reliance on negative or inconclusive test results.
Consequences of Misdiagnosis of Cancer:
- Delayed cancer treatment, leading to metastatic spread.
- Increased treatment complexity and lower survival rates.
- Unnecessary surgeries or chemotherapy for incorrect initial diagnoses.
Commonly Misdiagnosed Cancers:
- Lung cancer (misdiagnosed as pneumonia or asthma).
- Pancreatic cancer (often mistaken for acid reflux or IBS).
- Colorectal cancer (dismissed as hemorrhoids in younger patients).
- Breast cancer (delayed mammograms or misread imaging).
- Liver cancer (mistaken for fatty liver disease or hepatitis).
More information on cancer misdiagnosis cases >
Cushing’s Syndrome & Addison’s Disease (Adrenal Disorders)
Why They Are Misdiagnosed:
- Symptoms of adrenal disorders such as Addison’s Disease and Cushing’s Syndrome (fatigue, weight gain/loss, blood pressure changes) mimic common conditions like depression, obesity, or menopause.
- Misinterpretation of ACTH stimulation tests.
Consequences of Misdiagnosis of Cushing’s Syndrome or Addison’s Disease :
- Severe hormonal imbalances, leading to multi-organ dysfunction.
- Delayed diagnosis results in life-threatening adrenal crisis.
- Permanent metabolic damage if these adrenal disorders are left untreated.
Venous Sinus Thrombosis (VST)
Why It’s Misdiagnosed:
- Early symptoms of Venous Sinus Thrombosis (headache, nausea) resemble migraines or tension headaches.
- Failure to perform brain MRV or CT venogram.
Consequences of Misdiagnosis of Venous Sinus Thrombosis:
- Brain swelling and hemorrhage, leading to death or severe disability.
- Missed opportunity for early anticoagulation treatment.
- Cognitive impairment from prolonged intracranial pressure.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in Type 1 Diabetes
Why It’s Misdiagnosed:
- Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (vomiting, confusion, dehydration) resemble gastroenteritis or anxiety.
- Failure to check blood glucose and ketone levels.
Consequences of Misdiagnosis of Diabetic Ketoacidosis:
- Life-threatening metabolic acidosis leading to coma.
- Long-term organ damage due to uncontrolled blood sugar.
- Fatality if insulin treatment is delayed.
Recent Statistics on Misdiagnosis in the United States
Diagnostic errors remain a significant concern in the U.S. healthcare system. A study published in 2014 estimated that about 5% of U.S. adult patients experience diagnostic errors in outpatient settings annually.
More recent data indicates that approximately 795,000 Americans die or are permanently disabled each year due to diagnostic errors across various clinical settings.
These statistics underscore the critical need for improved diagnostic accuracy to prevent unnecessary or harmful treatments.
Preventing Misdiagnosis
To reduce the risk of misdiagnosis, both healthcare providers and patients can take proactive steps:
- Comprehensive Medical History: Healthcare providers should conduct thorough evaluations, considering the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and risk factors.
- Effective Communication: Healthcare providers must communicate clearly with each other about critical patient test results or recommendations. Clear communication between patients and providers is also essential. Patients should feel empowered to share all relevant symptoms and concerns, while providers should listen attentively and ask pertinent questions.
- Diagnostic Testing: Utilizing appropriate diagnostic tests can confirm or rule out potential conditions, reducing reliance on assumptions or incomplete information.
- Second Opinions: Encouraging second opinions, especially for complex or unclear cases, can provide additional perspectives and reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis.
When Is Misdiagnosis Considered Medical Malpractice?
Not all diagnostic errors constitute medical malpractice. For a misdiagnosis to be deemed medical malpractice, it must result from a deviation from the accepted standard of care. This means that a competent healthcare professional, under similar circumstances, would not have made the same error. Additionally, the misdiagnosis must lead to significant harm, such as unnecessary treatment, worsening of the condition, or death.
Steps to Take if Harmed by Misdiagnosis
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury due to a misdiagnosis and improper treatment, it’s crucial to act promptly:
- Seek Medical Attention: Address any immediate health concerns with qualified medical professionals.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, communications, and any changes in your condition.
- Consult a Medical Malpractice Attorney: Reach out to a reputable law firm experienced in medical malpractice cases, such as Lupetin & Unatin, to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
Examples of Misdiagnosis Lawsuit Settlements and Verdicts
Several cases highlight the severe consequences of misdiagnosis:
- $2 Million Settlement: Lupetin & Unatin secured a $2 million settlement for the family of a 39-year-old man developed a severe, persistent headache, fever, weight loss, and other concerning signs and symptoms over the course of several weeks. A hospital and its doctor misdiagnosed the patient with migraines and failed to order the gold standard test to diagnose meningitis, leading to irreversible brain injury and death.
- $2 Million Settlement: Lupetin & Unatin secured a $2 million settlement for the family of a 39-year-old man with cardiac risk factors presented to the Emergency Department with chest pain, shortness of breath, and weakness. The hospital’s physician did not perform standard tests to evaluate for an aortic dissection, including a chest CT scan. The patient was discharged from the ED to home with a tentative diagnosis of anxiety. Regrettably, the patient died a few days later from a ruptured aortic dissection.
- $1 Million Settlement: Lupetin & Unatin secured a $1 million settlement for the parents of a newborn whose death resulted from a misdiagnosed and untreated serious neonatal heart condition.
How Lupetin & Unatin Can Help
At Lupetin & Unatin, we specialize in representing patients and families affected by medical malpractice, including cases involving misdiagnosis leading to unnecessary or harmful treatments. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to investigating the circumstances of each case thoroughly, collaborating with medical experts, and advocating for the rights of our clients to secure the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a misdiagnosis, contact Lupetin & Unatin today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of medical malpractice litigation and work towards achieving justice for your family.