Although the rates of some diagnostic errors have shrunk over the past few decades, the categories of missed diagnoses remain consistent; cardiovascular diseases, cancers and infectious diseases experience the highest rates of misdiagnosis. A diagnosis of a medical condition that is overlooked, incorrect or otherwise delayed can lead to harmful or ineffective treatment. In severe cases, a misdiagnosis of a patient can lead to permanent damage or death.
Preventing future medical misdiagnoses
Key questions California residents need to ask doctors
Even though most doctors may not actually lie to their patients, some of them may not always be completely straightforward about issues that could be damaging to their patients' health. Among the most commonly avoided topics, according to a diagnostic radiologist, are the increased likelihood of complications with elective surgeries performed at certain times on certain days and diagnostic errors in primary care settings.
