Misdiagnosis vs. Missed Diagnosis: Key Differences That Matter

by Jeffrey J. Kroll

People often combine and/or fail to appreciate the difference between a “misdiagnosis” and a “missed diagnosis.” While both refer to medical errors in diagnosis, they do differ in specifics. Regardless, both have serious implications for a patient’s health and well-being.

Missed Diagnosis

A missed diagnosis occurs when a doctor fails to diagnose a condition. This concept is often referred to as a failure to diagnose or a delayed diagnosis. Often, a delayed diagnosis can be just as bad as a failure to diagnose a medical condition. For instance, a patient shows up at a doctor’s office with an accelerated heartbeat, sweating, and other signs that could be related to an underlying heart condition. However, the healthcare provider attributes everything to stress and then sends the patient home. The patient then suddenly dies of a heart condition that was not recognized or diagnosed. The problem is that the condition remains untreated, potentially worsening over time and leading to more severe health issues or complications.

Misdiagnosis

A misdiagnosis occurs when a doctor incorrectly diagnoses a patient’s condition. For example, a healthcare professional may send a patient home, indicating it’s simply a migraine headache; however, they missed a brain aneurysm or stroke. Consequently, the patient receives incorrect treatment, which may not address the actual illness and could potentially harm or delay the appropriate course of treatment.

Both a missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis are part and parcel to a medical malpractice action. If you or a loved one have suffered at the hands of a healthcare professional and are wondering what to do next, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Kaveny + Kroll for a free consultation. Call 312.761.5585.