People in Texas may be worried about being the victim of a misdiagnosis or the failure to diagnose a progressive, serious illness like cancer when they go visit the doctor or enter a hospital for treatment. The consequences of a wrong diagnosis or a doctor error can be serious because the disease can progress and become deadly or difficult to treat in the interim. For health institutions concerned about patient care and liability, cutting down on the number of diagnostic errors can be a major priority.
When scanning for bone density, the use of data entry software in the radiology department can help prevent medical errors, especially in ultrasound and dual-energy X-ray (DEXA) radiology. The software can also help health facilities save time and money while reducing misdiagnoses. A study found that when the software is used, up to $1 million in radiologists’ salaries can be saved over a five-year period. According to research that was carried out at the University of Colorado, 6 to 28 percent of all DEXA and ultrasound radiology reports contain data entry errors. While the errors may be simple or minor, they can lead to real problems, especially when they are included as part of an incorrect diagnosis of a patient’s conditions.
These kinds of medical mistakes can lead to improper management or treatment of a patient, causing worsened medical conditions, lengthy hospital stays and potentially serious consequences. The study found that the software system helped reduce errors significantly.
When a patient is misdiagnosed, the consequences for his or her health can be very serious and even deadly. People who have seen their health suffer and decline as the result of a doctor error or failure to diagnose a serious disease can consult with a medical malpractice attorney who can advise them about the potential next steps to seek accountability.
