A recent study has shown more than 800,000 people a year suffer death or permanent disability in the United States due to misdiagnosis. The study’s researchers stated that they used conservative estimates in calculating their figures. However, they still found that around 370,000 people die each year from misdiagnosis, while 424,000 people suffer permanent disability.
The data for the study included over 22 million cases from hospitals around the United States. Researchers looked at records from ambulatory clinics, emergency departments, and inpatient treatment centers. Further, the researchers narrowed the scope of the study to the “Big Three” group of diseases that most often result in misdiagnosis, which are: vascular issues, infections, and cancer. Specifically, the study focused on fifteen diseases within the “Big Three” including: stroke, venous thromboembolism, arterial thromboembolism, aortic aneurysm/dissection, myocardial infarction, sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis/encephalitis, spinal abscess, endocarditis, lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma, and prostate cancer.
Generally speaking, A misdiagnosis causing death or permanent disability is statistically unlikely, occurring in less than .1% of cases. However, the researchers found that among the fifteen diseases focused on in the study, around 11% resulted in misdiagnosis. In particular: stroke, sepsis, pneumonia, lung cancer, and blood clots, accounted for 40% of misdiagnosis leading to death or permanent disability. Stroke was specifically the most misdiagnosed disease leading to death or permanent disability, occurring in about 18% of cases. However, more research is still needed.
The study’s conductors opined that that it was one of the few rigorous studies completed on death and disability due to diagnostic errors in the United States. They emphasized that there is a need to urgently examine diagnostic errors and “find solutions.” According to one of the researchers, “diagnostic errors” “are the most under resourced public health crisis we face.” Current funding for such research equates to only about $20 million a year.
While noted earlier that the rate of death or permanent disability due to misdiagnosis is quite low on average, they still remain a major danger. Statistics show that false negative diagnoses are the largest source of death due to medical error in the United States. Further, a 2015 study found that the majority of Americans will experience at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime. Still, there are actions and preparations you can take to reduce your risk of misdiagnosis.
For one, it is important to give the treating doctor a clear history of your symptoms. Further, you should always ask the treating doctor specific questions, such as: what could be causing my problems? what else could it be? when will I get my test results? and what should I do to follow up? As a final note, it is important to remember that two of the most common areas of misdiagnosis—stroke and vascular issues—do not always present with the expected symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, and fatigue all can be signs of a stroke. General chest pain, weakness, and shortness of breath can all be signs of a heart attack.
Importantly, you have the right to demand imaging be done if unsure of the diagnosis. However, if you do experience a misdiagnosis that leads to permanent disability or the death of a loved one, you should reach out to a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. At Zalman Schnurman & Miner P.C., we have vigorously represented victims of medical misdiagnoses for over thirty years. The first consultation is always free and our firm can be reached by email at 1800lawline.com or by phone at 1800-lawline.
The study can be found at: https://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2023/07/16/bmjqs-2021-014130.