There are a lot of variables that come into the picture when anyone goes to a doctor’s office or hospital in Arizona. The medical staff is expected to listen to your symptoms, perform diagnostic exams, establish a treatment plan, and follow through with that treatment plan. During that entire course, there are several things that can go wrong.
By now, most people know the importance of hand washing. What some people might not realize is that improper sanitation procedures by health care personnel can spread germs and disease. Misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose, and improper interpretation of diagnostic testing are also problems that patients should be aware of when seeking medical care. When a patient sees more than one medical professional, as is often the case in a hospital stay, the lack of coordinated care can also lead to medical mistakes.
Interestingly, patients should always make sure the medical team is aware of their identity. Improper patient identification is often a problem. In some cases, this has led to very serious issues like wrong-site surgery or improper treatment. The medical staff should always ask for identifying information to ensure they are with the correct patient.
When it comes to emergency care, patients are often triaged to determine the order in which they should be seen. This can lead to problems if the procedure wasn’t properly done. In some cases, the staff is trying to move too quickly to accurately assess patients. That might mean that a patient who should be prioritized is forced to wait, which can be injurious.
Patients who are harmed by medical negligence often face mounting medical bills and a loss of wages when unable to work. Those who are in this position may want to consult with a medical malpractice attorney to see if pursuing damages from the responsible practitioner is advisable.