New York residents who suffer from rare diseases face several obstacles. These illnesses may have less research devoted to them. Since they are rare, doctors often misdiagnose these conditions or a correct diagnosis is delayed, leading to potential harm.

New York residents who suffer from breathing problems may want to know that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has awarded a $1.5 million grant to analyze the use of spirometry testing and the effect of diagnostic error on patient outcomes. Contributing factors to the bestowing of the grant were studies that indicated 30 to 50 percent of patients may be given a misdiagnosis of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.