If you weren’t aware of the prevalence and severity of diagnostic errors, (misdiagnosis, missed diagnosis, delayed diagnosis) maybe you should be now.
When we are ill, we trust our doctors to assess our symptoms and correctly diagnose the condition. Most of us take it for granted that these highly educated people will know what is wrong and the best course of action. Sadly, that isn’t always the case of all diagnoses are wrong, according to the Ehlers Danlos Society.
The rate of diagnostic errors is higher than the rate of medication errors or surgical errors. It is one of the most pressing matters in the world of medicine.
There are steps that you can take to prevent a diagnostic error, steps that could ultimately save your life.
1. Gather Your Medical Information, History, and Records
When a doctor knows your background, he or she can more accurately assess your current condition. Especially when seeing a new physician or specialist for the first time, its important that they have access to your records. Have those sent from your current provider to your new provider, and bring along any relevant records you have at home to your new appointment.
Also, consider making a symptom diary as it helps to track down your daily health status. Before you see your doctor, create a symptom diary. Document your symptoms in a notebook, on your smartphone or other electronic devices. Answer these questions:
What are your symptoms?
Where are they located?
What makes your symptoms worse or better, such as exercise or eating a meal?
Time of day your symptoms are better or worse?
Was there a physical event or new medication associated with the onset of your symptoms?
What you have tried to alleviate your symptoms? Was anything successful?
If pain accompanies your symptoms or pain is the symptom, track it. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the worst, document it daily.
Bring your symptom diary with you to see your doctor and discuss it with him/her.
2. Be Informed
If you already have a diagnosis or suspect a few possibilities, do some research yourself. Countless websites offer medical information. However, not all of this information is good. MedlinePlus is a reliable resource from the National Institutes of Health that can provide information on certain conditions, medications, and symptoms. Don't try to diagnosis yourself, but it doesn't hurt to be well-informed of the possibilities. Also, learn about the different tests you'll be taking and the medications you are on
3. Keep Your Records
Medical records are not only the files your doctor(s) keep but should include a personal log. This is especially important if you see multiple physicians or specialists. Keep track of who you saw on what date, hospital admission dates, and test results.
You may be surprised at the lack of continuity between medical providers when it comes to sharing records. Often, you'll be able to tell your doctor more about your test, hospitalization, and treatment history before they even have time to find it in the "official records".
4. Know Your Test Results and What They Mean
When trying to arrive at an accurate diagnosis, you could be subjected to a battery of tests. know what these tests are, what they are looking for and what the results mean. Some tests will check for the presence of disease while others seek to rule possible diagnoses out. Follow the road map that these tests lead your doctor on
If you suspect a misdiagnosis
If your treatment is not helping your symptoms, discuss it with your doctor. There may be an alternate treatment that might work better for you. Ask your doctor if you might have a different diagnosis.
Ask that tests be repeated or read by a different clinician
Tests can be wrong, or they can be read incorrectly. Ask that tests be done a second time or read by another doctor. Some doctors just read the radiology reports from imaging studies you’ve had. Ask your doctor or another doctor to read the actual tests.
5. Ask Questions
You won't know unless you ask, and making assumptions or operating in ignorance can be detrimental to your health. If you don't understand what your doctor just said, ask them to rephrase it. Don't be ashamed if you can't keep up with medical
terms, you are not the one with a medical degree. If you're unsure of something, ask. If you feel like the doctor isn't considering all of your concerns, ask someone else.
List of questions before you see your doctor
Create a list of questions before you see your doctor. This allows you to think about what you need to focus on. Document the answers and other information the doctor explains.
If you are given a new diagnosis from your doctor, consider asking these questions:
What is my diagnosis and what does it mean?
Are there any other possible diagnoses?
How did you arrive at this diagnosis? (i.e., test results, physical exam, radiology report, etc.)
How will deal with the emotional trauma?
What is my treatment plan?
When do I follow up with you about my treatment plan?
6. Take Charge of Your Own Medical Care
You should be an active decision-maker in your medical care. When you take initiative to be informed and be part of the discussion regarding your health, your doctor will take notice.
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