Physician Errors Responsible for Most Malpractice Claims involving Missed, Delayed Diagnoses

By Daniel Hawn

Published on October 26, 2006

The study, published in the Oct. 3 edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine, involved 181 closed medical malpractice claims regarding diagnosis errors. Patients in nearly 60 percent of the cases studied had suffered serious harm, while patients in 30 percent of the cases had died.

The study noted that several factors played a role in the cases; however, researchers concluded that the majority of claims resulted from physician errors: failure to arrange the necessary diagnostic tests; failure to design an appropriate follow-up plan; failure to acquire a thorough medical history or administer an appropriate physical examination; and improper interpretation of test results.

Dr. Steven M. Sorscher of St. Louis' Washington University Medical School said the study shows that many serious medical mistakes are avoidable.

Medical experts said the results also show the need for patients to take a proactive role in their treatment. Dr. Edward Langston of the American Medical Association said patients should closely monitor their care, express their opinions, and bring friends or family members with them to medical appointments to help absorb information and make inquiries.

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