We are trained to trust our medical experts and dismiss our bodies’ signs when we feel like something is really wrong. Unfortunately, due to the myriad of medical malpractice and negligence suits, this trust has significantly depleted. Here are some steps to take on your next emergency room visit that may save you from being the next headlining medical malpractice story.
1) Ask questions! Conduct your own research. Before going to the emergency room or your primary care physician, try to be somewhat informed on your symptoms and what common ailments are usually diagnosed. The doctor will feel obligated to give you a much more thorough examination.
2) Be honest! Many people hide certain things from their doctors in fear of being judged. Remember that your doctor is not a moral compass on your life choices; his/her job is to hear your symptoms and make the proper diagnosis. Leaving things out will stop your doctor from doing their job and you from getting better.
3). Get another opinion. Often times, we hear one diagnosis and assume that it is the onlydiagnosis. If you feel that there is something more behind your symptoms that your doctor missed, make an appointment with a specialist. This will give you another perspective and either confirm or disaffirm your original diagnosis.
These steps may not prevent all medical malpractice suits, but they will surely help cut down on the amount of individuals being sent home with serious illnesses due to a doctor’s negligence. At Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP, we not only seek justice for our clients, but also seek to ensure that the inefficiencies within medical practice are fixed.
