The healthcare sector has made significant and rapid advancements in the last decade. Today, in 2023, there are now advanced treatments that are available for a wide range of illnesses and medical conditions that were once considered to have a high mortality rate. The latest medical technology is used and can include the use of modern MRI scanners to identify and locate illnesses or injuries. In recent decades, the use of keyhole surgery has become commonplace during operations to allow procedures to take place that are less invasive and can boast shortened recovery times for patients. When it comes to diagnosing medical conditions in patients, a doctor or healthcare professional has a range of options at their disposal. This article outlines two of the most common ways of diagnosing illness and disease in patients. In addition, there is a focus on the legal implications that can be put into practice if the misdiagnosis of a patient ailovemusic occurs and subsequently leads to complications.
Physical Examinations
One of the key ways in which a doctor or healthcare professional will build a diagnosis for their patient is to conduct a physical examination of the body. For example, if you attend a GP with cold or flu symptoms, a doctor will commonly examine your mouth to see if there is an indication of infection or swelling of the glands in the mouth and throat. The doctor will also routinely use a stethoscope to check the functioning of your breathing and listen for any abnormalities or crackles when you breathe in and out. These types of physical examinations are routine and have been undertaken by doctors for many years. More modern forms of examination can include the use of an MRI scanner. This works by using magnetic resonance to create a detailed 3D picture of the inside of your body. It is extremely effective in identifying the specific site of illness, injury, or infection.
Sample Testing
In addition to physical examinations, your doctor may ask you to provide a sample of blood, urine, or bodily tissue for further testing. This may be undertaken if your doctor believes that you may have signs of an illness or disease that will require further treatment. For example, blood cell samples are routinely taken by patients who are suspected to have serious medical diseases, such as cancer. Whilst no current blood test can 100% confirm a diagnosis of cancer in the patient, they may be used to provide evidence for the diagnosis of certain cancers, such as leukaemia.
Legal Implications
It is expected that in most cases, medical professionals will accurately and effectively diagnose their patients. However, in some circumstances, mistakes do happen in the medical profession, and they can have serious implications. One example is when patients receive a false diagnosis of having cancer, which can lead to significant distress for both them and their families. If it can be proven that a false diagnosis has taken place, it may be beneficial to consider making a false cancer diagnosis lawsuit with full legal representation. If there is evidence to indicate that the medical professional who made the diagnosis did so without full appreciation of the facts and was negligent in their diagnosis, then the patient may be able to claim compensation. Some legal firms specialize in this type of legal action, and you should speak to a team of legal experts if you believe that this situation has occurred.
