Parker Waichman LLP

Study: Misdiagnosis occurs in 1 out of Every 20 Outpatients

A new study suggests that at least 1 in every 20 outpatients-those who receive care without being admitted to a hospital-experience a misdiagnosis. The study, which was published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety, found that the rate of misdiagnosis in outpatients was about 5 percent. This translates to 1 in 20 adults, 12 […]

outpatient_misdiagnosis_studyA new study suggests that at least 1 in every 20 outpatients-those who receive care without being admitted to a hospital-experience a misdiagnosis. The study, which was published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety, found that the rate of misdiagnosis in outpatients was about 5 percent. This translates to 1 in 20 adults, 12 million people when applied to the entire US population.

The study was led by Dr. Hardeep Singh, a researcher at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas and an associated professor at Baylor College of Medicine Safety. Singh used data from three of his previous studies to analyze the rates of misdiagnosis in outpatients. The first study looked at misdiagnoses in primary care, while the second and third focused on misdiagnoses in lung and colon cancer patients, respectively. Misdiagnoses were characterized when patients presented clear symptoms that were not noticed or not properly followed up on. Researchers said that about half of the missed diagnoses could have a harmful impact on the patient’s health.

“We called it a misdiagnosis when there was a definite missed opportunity to make a timelier, correct diagnosis based on information available at that time,” said Dr. Singh to FoxNews.com “We would say, ‘Was that opportunity there? Was evidence there? Was it someone who presented with a red flag for colon cancer, who didn’t get a work up?”

Dr. Singh also pointed out that few studies look at the quality of outpatient care. “In some ways, in outpatient , it’s challenging; patients move between different systems of care, specialists, radiologists,” he said “We had done studies in integrated health care systems and thought it would be good to extrapolate that data to see how commonly these things are occurring, to see what needs to be done about them. And the numbers were quite telling.”

Although the study did not focus on what causes the misdiagnosis, Singh said that there could be many reasons why an outpatient is not receiving the proper care. Prior studies suggest that many breakdowns occur during the information gathering of an appointment, when a physician is taking a patient’s medical history and observing symptoms. Patients can reduce the risk of misdiagnosis by becoming more involved in their own care; including following up on medical tests and notifying their doctors if their symptoms get worse.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
20 years after 911 as a first responder, I was diagnosed with cancer of the limp nodes and both thyroids. I had removal surgery. I was treated very well by my lawyers and staff; they kept me in the loop all the way. My legal matters are all behind me. Thank You Parker Waichman LLP
Rodney Blount
2 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I highly recommend Parker Waichman LLP.Courteous and professional be it the receptionist,Lawyer or investigator especially legal assistant Nicoleta Mereuta.
Evan Marmer
6 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Benita Rollis, paralegal, was very professional, yet compassionate. She made an emotional process bearable. Benita represented the firm very well. Michelle Josama picked up where Benita left off for the final leg of the process and is displaying the same professionalism as Benita. Thank you Parker Waichman for such a good experience during such an emotional journey.
Olivia Griffin
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038