A study published last month demonstrated that misdiagnosis is the #1 cause of medical malpractice claims. The studies also opened new windows upon the issue of medical malpractice by showing that particular types of medical facilities are most likely to make the same errors.
Misdiagnosis: Delayed and Inaccurate Diagnosis
The study was published in Diagnosis on July 11. Researchers discovered that delayed or inaccurate diagnosis was the stated cause of death or serious disability claims in 34 percent of claims. In nearly two-thirds of those cases, the diagnostic error led to death or permanent disability. According to the Insurance Industry’s Claims journal (7/24/2019), claims in cases caused by diagnostic error account for 28 percent of all medical malpractice insurance payouts. [Read more…]
