Errors made in prescribing and dispensing medications take the lives of about 7,000 to 9,000 people each year in the United States alone. This makes medication errors one of the most significant causes of concern in healthcare today. Anyone can make mistakes. However,...
Coronary artery disease is often underdiagnosed in women
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. It’s a significant health risk that is often underdiagnosed in women. This underdiagnosis stems from a combination of factors, including differences in symptom presentation, societal perceptions and...
Why would my doctor fail to order a necessary test?
Your health care provider can only prescribe the appropriate treatment once they accurately diagnose your medical condition. They must order or perform the necessary medical tests to obtain the correct diagnosis. Failure to conduct a thorough medical examination can...
What happens if a doctor misses an appendicitis diagnosis?
The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch projecting from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendicitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix. This inflammation is typically acute and can cause severe pain. The exact...
When can allergic reactions be due to negligence?
Before administering treatment or medication, it is critical for doctors to account for patient allergies. While situations vary, failure to do so can lead to acute injuries or life-threatening emergencies. Allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to...
Why are IV medication errors so common?
When a patient needs medication, proper drug administration is crucial to their well-being. When someone starts in antibiotic regimen, for example, they need a specific dose delivered at a specific interval to ensure that their treatment is as effective as possible....
Certain groups of people are at higher risk of diagnostic errors
Diagnostic failures are one of the most common types of medical malpractice in the United States. Sometimes, doctors fail to diagnose a patient accurately. When they fail to determine what causes a patient’s symptoms, they cannot order proper treatment. Other times,...
Wrongful death claim for a fatal medication error
Patients expect that when they are given medication, it will make them feel better. However, fatal medication errors can happen in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, leaving the patient’s family with questions about what to do next. Common errors There are several...
3 medication errors made by professionals that harm patients
Modern medications can achieve numerous important medical goals, including managing someone's pain levels, controlling their blood pressure or helping their bodies metabolize sugar. Many of the most useful drugs also have some significant side effects or present a...
Why do doctors misdiagnose aneurysms?
Doctors typically follow specific steps to treat a patient. Diagnosing them is one of the initial parts of the process. It could include verbal discussions about the patient's symptoms and diagnostic tests to learn more about their body's condition. Getting an...