While New Yorkers likely have trusting relationships with their doctors, there are certain times when they should seek second opinions to make certain that the diagnosis or treatment regimen that has been proposed is appropriate. Health care practitioners sometimes make diagnostic or treatment mistakes, which can cause serious repercussions for patients.
While New Yorkers likely have trusting relationships with their doctors, there are certain times when they should seek second opinions to make certain that the diagnosis or treatment regimen that has been proposed is appropriate. Health care practitioners sometimes make diagnostic or treatment mistakes, which can cause serious repercussions for patients.
A person who is diagnosed with a serious or terminal condition should get a second opinion to make certain that the diagnosis is correct. A delayed diagnosis or a misdiagnosis can greatly reduce the person’s ability to recover and may also cause further harm.
When a doctor proposes a specific treatment regimen, the patient may want to get a second opinion about it as well, especially if the treatment itself carries a high degree of risk. Another doctor who specializes in the area may be aware of new treatments about which the person’s doctor may be unaware. People should be proactive with their medical care. They should not be afraid to ask questions or to get second opinions, and they shouldn’t allow themselves to feel pressured or bullied into a specific regimen about which they have doubts without getting further information.
A doctor’s misdiagnosis can cause serious harm to a patient. Receiving the wrong treatment or delaying the appropriate treatment may result in a patient’s diminished ability to recover from the condition or disease. People who have been harmed by a doctor’s misdiagnosis may want to consult with a medical malpractice attorney. Not every misdiagnosis constitutes malpractice, and the attorney will attempt to determine whether the mistake constituted a failure to exhibit the requisite standard of care.
