FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE

FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE

FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE 150 150 Lauren Ellerman

PT Scan says – “no cancer” and so your oncologist is not worried about the large lump found on your head. Get a second opinion.

Family history of breast cancer and doctor does not biopsy mass found in ultrasound, because he doubts it could be cancer… Get a second opinion.

Failure to order MRI, would have shown slow growing brain tumor.

Every day, busy physicians make assumptions, that can cost their patients a great deal. If technology does not show them what they are expecting, they rule out certain diagnosis – but they are often wrong. And yes, while it is not the patient’s job to diagnosis and treat, a second opinion certainly never hurt anyone. In the above cases, a second opinion could have meant an early diagnosis and maybe, caught early enough, effective treatment could have been possible.

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About the author

Lauren Ellerman

In 2011, Lauren Ellerman was named "Young Lawyer of the Year" by the Roanoke Bar Association for her work in the community. To speak with Lauren about your personal injury case, contact her at lellerman@frithlawfirm.com.

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