When a person visits a medical facility for treatment, health care professionals may take a variety of steps when seeking to properly diagnose and care for one’s condition. One step that may be common in many scenarios could involve the administering of imaging procedures, as these techniques may play a vital role in the diagnostic process. Unfortunately, the results of scans might not always prove accurate, especially in the presence of radiology errors and such negligence could prompt dire ramifications that could place the well-being of patients in Illinois at significant risk.
How errors may occur
Experts indicate that there are numerous issues that may lead to errors in imaging test results, one of which may involve mistakes in the interpretation of an image. Failure to identify any abnormalities is an example of an interpretation error that may lead to inaccuracies in a diagnosis. Experts state that failure to consult a patient’s medical history could also increase the risks of errors and cause doctors to issue a diagnosis by evaluating all the necessary factors.
According to experts, some types of radiology errors may also stem from a lack of sufficient knowledge to properly read a scan or interpret the information within. Improper imaging techniques could also skew test results and lead to an improper path of treatment that may place the well-being of a patient in jeopardy. Failure to effectively communicate with other hospital departments regarding imaging test results may also lead to a greater risk of mistakes.
The risks
Regardless of how it happens, radiology errors could lead to an inaccurate or incomplete diagnosis and the path of care taken may do little to treat one’s condition. In some cases, the presence of such issues may cause patients in Illinois to go without the necessary treatment for prolonged periods, and delays in care could lead to dire health repercussions. Individuals in Illinois who suffer serious or life-altering harm due to such negligence could choose to retain the services of an attorney for guidance on their options and assistance in preparing to seek the full amount of compensation entitled via a medical malpractice claim.
